A new report focuses on the expected growth of the Phoenix-Tuscon "Sun Corridor" to 10 million residents by 2030, and highlights the challenges and opportunities for this megapolitan region.
"A metropolitan region is emerging that stretches from the Mexican border at Nogales, through Tucson and Phoenix, to the Prescott area - a region that will double in population to 10 million in the next 30 years.
A study released this week by the Morrison Institute of Public Policy at Arizona State University calls this "megapolitan" region the Sun Corridor and says it is one of 20 such super complexes that will attract most of the nation's population growth through 2040.
Robert Lang, a professor of urban planning at Virginia Tech and a co-author of the study, told a gathering of real estate professionals sponsored by Bankers Trust Wednesday that the corridor will not become one uninterrupted urban blot on the map but a series of distinct realms that will interact economically."
FULL STORY: Sun Corridor beginning to rise
Regional Planning for Growth on Display in the Pacific Northwest
The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) released a new "Regional Centers Framework."
The Most Ambitious Land-Use Planning Effort in the U.S.—Not Where You Might Think
A 20-year, voluntary, bottom-up, large-scale, long-term planning effort in Utah has managed to bridge the divide between Mormons and non-Mormons, environmentalists and mining interests, farmers and city-dwellers.
Regional Approach Lauded as Key Stretegy for Economic Development
The greater Toledo area needs to think harder about creating regional development if it wants to compete in the globalizing economy, according to this editorial.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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