Hoping to guard against future labor shortages and protect their national identity, many countries with low birth rates are trying to entice couples into having more children with a variety of financial incentives -- including cash payments.
Within the past year, many industrialized nations such as Germany and Taiwan, have either relaxed their immigration policies, or offered cash incentives to entice people to have more children. Why? Demographers are predicting worker shortages just as demand is increasing for many countries to increase their output. Another concern, and perhaps more important, is keeping their nations' identity alive.
Just what is the "optimal birth rate?" According to demographers, a birthrate of 2.1 per female is considered essential to replace an aging workforce. The United States is right around this number as compared to Japan, which is at a post-World War II low of 1.3 births per female. Besides increasing the birth rates, many countries are relaxing their immigration standards, which is a quicker fix to a labor shortage problem.
FULL STORY: Cash incentives aren't enough to lift fertility

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions