New research out of the University of Virginia makes the case for walkable neighborhoods as incubators of economic mobility.
"New research from the University of Virginia finds children who are raised in walkable cities are more likely to climb the economic ladder, earning more than their parents did at similar points in their lives," reports Jane Kelly.
The study, "The Socioecological Psychology of Upward Mobility," was published in the journal American Psychologist.
According to the study, feelings of connectedness are a predictor of upward mobility. Nicholas Buttrick, one of the authors of the study, is quoted in the article: "We also find that if you live in a walkable city, you feel like you belong," Buttrick said. "You feel like you have a community, and that feeling also predicts whether or not you’re going to be moving up the economic ladder."
The researchers are planning to shift their focus next to the upward mobility enabled by public transit—some evidence of that outcome is already available.
FULL STORY: LIVING IN WALKABLE CITIES PREDICTS SUCCESS OF ‘AMERICAN DREAM’
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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