In order to reverse its depopulation trend, one North Dakota town attracts young families with gifts of free property.
In Divide County, North Dakota, economic development director David Olson had the idea of giving away five housing lots acquired through back taxes to newcomers. Olson explains the housing lots are "more of a nice gesture, to welcome people." The goal of this gesture was to entice young people from other parts of the country to move to northwest North Dakota, start families, and repopulate the area. Of the 25 counties nationwide that lost the largest portions of their populations in the 1990s, 12 were in North Dakota. It is also the least-visited state.
The Northwest North Dakota Marketing Alliance, founded by businessmen in 2002, was formed to attract people from other parts of the country to move to North Dakota. The idea was that they would put down roots and create new generations of northwest North Dakotans.
The city turned to the Internet for help, creating PrairieOpportunity.com, a type of online personal: "Do you have what it takes to be a 21st-century pioneer?"
Northwest North Dakota is selling itself based on a small-town way of life, however, it's possible that newcomers may change that idyllic atmosphere.
FULL STORY: Not Far From Forsaken

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.

‘Smart Surfaces’ Policy Guide Offers Advice for Building and Maintaining Urban Tree Canopies
Healthy, robust tree canopies can reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms
The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service