North Carolina metro areas frequently lead the lists of the best places to live and work. Yet the very things that make it popular may lead to its downfall.
North Carolina metropolitan areas frequently show up at the top of lists of the nations best places to live or work.This year, Forbes magazine ranked 200 metro areas by wage, salary, and job growth, and increases in high tech clusters.Charlotte was 14th, Raleigh was 21st, and Wilmington was 35th. Money magazines, The Best Places to Live, 2000 rankedRaleigh-Durham 2nd, Greensboro/Winston-Salem 11th, and Charlotte 12th among large metropolitan areas in the South.1The Research Triangle Region alone was highly ranked in over 40 magazines, books, reports and newspapers over the lastseven years.2 Yet, the very things that make North Carolina desirable become threatened when too many people act on theirdesires and move there. Thus, urban growth, and its environmental, social, and economic consequences, has become apressing political issue across the state.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Adding It Up

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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie