How do Utah & the West support population growth without sacrificing living standards?
A condensed look at smart growth in Utah and the West. First part of a four-part series investigation conducted by Utah Stories on the problems suburban sprawl has caused in reducing living standards along the Wasatch front and elsewhere. The story links suburban sprawl with the very poor air quality in Salt Lake City and also the obesity epidemic (caused by lack of walkable destinations and long commute times).
The story examines how the strong push for affordable housing in distant suburbs has has a negative impact freeway traffic and commuting times. The investigation examines how and why the Utah state legislature continues to support ever-widening freeway construction which has only proved to ad to the problem.
FULL STORY: Smart Growth in Utah and the West

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.
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