New rankings from the 2011 American Community Survey released Thursday show that the residents of the D.C. area have benefited from an economy built on "the federal government, its legions of contractors and a flourishing high-tech sector."
While communities across America have suffered through high unemployment, public sector cuts from dwindling revenues, and foreclosures resulting from the Great Recession, the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has been getting increasingly affluent. New census numbers show that the D.C. suburbs now include 7 of the 10 most affluent counties in the country, with Loudoun County and its median household income of $119,134 topping the list, report Carol Morello and Ted Mellnik.
"The rankings in the 2011 American Community Survey released Thursday
expand Washington's dominance among high-income households, reflecting a
regional economy that was largely cushioned as the recession yanked
down income levels elsewhere. Household incomes rose in most counties
around Washington last year, even as they continued to sink around the country."
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in New Jersey, and Douglas County in Colorado, were the non-Washington area counties to make the top 10.
FULL STORY: Seven of nation’s 10 most affluent counties are in Washington region
Causes and Effects of Widespread Data Center Development
While it’s unlikely to expect local and state governments to insist that data center developments locate somewhere else, specific policy steps can ensure a more positive impact for communities.
Washington Commanders Looking to the Periphery for a New Place to Play
The suburbanization of the National Football League continues.
Legal Dispute Grounds Last Remaining Potomac River Ferry Service
Historic White's Ferry, which has crossed the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland since the late 18th century, has announced that it will cease operations.
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.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Half of Post-Fire Altadena Home Sales Were to Corporations
Large investors are quietly buying up dozens of properties in Altadena, California, where a devastating wildfire destroyed more than 6,000 homes in January.
Opinion: What San Francisco’s Proposed ‘Family Zoning’ Could Really Mean
Mayor Lurie is using ‘family zoning’ to encourage denser development and upzoning — but could the concept actually foster community and more human-scale public spaces?
Jacksonville Launches First Autonomous Transit Shuttle in US
A fleet of 14 fully autonomous vehicles will serve a 3.5-mile downtown Jacksonville route with 12 stops.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont