South and West Get More Influential

Yonah Freemark says that new Census data is revealing that the South and West are growing while the Midwest and East are shrinking, which could signal a shift in policy from traditionally urban areas to more exurban-centric regions.

1 minute read

December 25, 2010, 11:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


And yet, Freemark notes, the power shift may not be as dramatic as all that:

"For one, in many of the states that are growing quickly, cities are also doing well: Houston, Las Vegas, and Phoenix-among others-are all quickly densifying in their downtown cores. Between 2000 and 2009, for example, the City of Atlanta grew by 125,000 individuals: That's a 30% increase. And urban areas in the South and West need good public transportation and affordable housing subsidies just as much as do those in the Northeast and Midwest."

Friday, December 24, 2010 in Next American City

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A rendering of the proposed green space, which has a white, triangular structure that provides shade, and small waterfalls.

LA to transform part of water treatment facility into new park

By rebuilding some of the Los Angeles-Glendale Water Reclamation Plant’s infrastructure, the city will free up 18,000 square feet to create a new green space for the public.

3 seconds ago - LA Urbanize

A colorful Via transit bus next to a brick building.

San Antonio approves $1.1 billion transit agenda

The agency has also begun construction of its Via Rapid Green line, which will service passengers from the San Antonio International Airport.

1 hour ago - San Antonio Business Journal

A woman sits on a bus stop bench and looks at her phone.

Guerilla urbanists’ DIY benches joined by sanctioned seats in Chicago

The group behind the original homemade benches said they will continue installing them across bench-less bus stops in Chicago.

2 hours ago - Block Club Chicago