Recently released Census data show that domestic migrants are fleeing the high housing costs of America's coasts in favor of more affordable environs. Will the tech regions start running out of techies?
Census estimates from 2000 to 2004 for annual domestic net migration were compared to rates from the 1990s. Although immigrant populations were excluded, experts say that gains from immigration still failed to balance the residential exodus from Boston and San Francisco.
All up and down America's west and east coasts, high overall housing costs are driving ex-residents to cheaper cities in adjacent regions. Southern California's Riverside metro area saw the largest per capita gain of domestic in-migrants from 2000 to 2004, as residents appear to have uprooted themselves from the high-priced Los Angeles basin.
A growing cadre of economists warn that high housing costs and continuing losses of skilled workers could impact tech regions like Silicon Valley's ability to consistently restock their skilled-labor pipelines. Mark Zandi from Economy.com noted, "Today, housing in both Boston and the Bay area is unaffordable...If the tech sector takes off, it's going to be much harder to bring in skilled labor for these positions."
[Editor's note: This article is available for free online for seven days after the publication date.]
FULL STORY: Bursting Tech Bubble, Higher Housing Costs Send People Packing
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Commentary: Colorado Will Forge Ahead With Conservation Work
While federal policy may become less friendly to environmental efforts, support from state legislators and agencies can prevent the state from backsliding.
Expanding the Mission: Community Groups Serving Schools
Some community development organizations have added education to their traditional focus on housing and economic development, looking for ways to support families and children by partnering with local school districts. How is it working?
DeKalb County Launches Housing Assistance Program
The $13 million initiative will support local organizations providing wrap-around services and housing assistance to residents at risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness.
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
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners