Central districts have been surging back since the 1980s. But in most cities, the upper third of earners still favor outlying areas and are underrepresented closer to downtown.
In a piece for City Observatory, Daniel Hertz discusses data from a recent study on the changing demographics of American downtowns. The researchers "measured what percentage of people within three miles of their city's central business district lived in a Census tract that was in the top third. Unsurprisingly, in almost every city, that percentage increased dramatically between 1980 and 2010." The article includes a chart demonstrating that shift.
But that story, which has become accepted canon, still doesn't reflect reality for most cities. From the article: "Still, despite all the progress American central cities have made in economic development, it's important to note that most [central downtown] areas remain disproportionately poor. Even in 2010, cities where upper-income neighborhoods were underrepresented in central areas outnumbered those where upper-income neighborhoods were overrepresented by 32 to 17."
Nevertheless, the data shows a clear trend toward concentrated downtown wealth. Hertz notes how that trend depends on the young, educated demographic. "We were also struck by how much overlap there was between the Cleveland Fed's data and our findings from City Observatory's Young and Restless report late last year."
FULL STORY: More evidence on the changing demographics of American downtowns
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.