This column from Neal Peirce looks at the new megapolitan stronghold of the Intermountain West.
"This region of the ghost towns and legendary lone cowboy is now registering America's fastest population growth - and expects 11 million more people by 2040."
"And indeed, the five states of the southern Intermountain West - Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico - are prospering and growing so rapidly that they may soon be tagged the "New American heartland" to reflect how their economies and presidential votes (several are swing states) impact the entire country."
"Already Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Tucson and Albuquerque are centers of regions expanding rapidly, forming highly urbanized chains of development. The trend's so pronounced the regions are called "megapolitan," or "Mountain Megas" in a new report by Robert Lang and Mark Muro for the Brookings Institution."
FULL STORY: The Mountain West: A ‘Megapolitan’ Surprise

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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