Census data shows that Lacrosse, WA (pop. 315) and other small, rural towns are getting smaller. Some blame the Conservation Reserve Program. But Lacrosse and many others aren't going quietly - they're fighting to hang on.
"We're not dead yet," Mayor Larry "Butch" Burgess says of tiny Lacrosse, WA in this article by John Stucke.
Judging by the numbers, that seems to be where Lacrosse and many other small, rural towns are headed. The latest Census figures show Lacrosse's population dropped from 415 to 315, and businesses have been gradually closing. While cities and larger towns around the state are growing in numbers and vibrancy, Washington's small towns seem to be emptying out.
Many place the blame on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which pays farmers not to till their land. Although it has many conservation benefits, the program means that farmers also won't be purchasing supplies from local stores or hiring employees, all of which can further speed small towns' decline.
In Lacrosse, though, Burgess is hopeful that community efforts to attract businesses and services and keep the school open will be enough to stem the demographic tide and keep the town alive.
FULL STORY: Census: Dwindling small towns determined to fight extinction
Making Solar Energy Land Use More Efficient
How an ‘ecovoltaic’ approach can balance energy production with conservation of sensitive land.
Census: Texas Home to Fastest-Growing Cities
Census Bureau data reveals strong growth in large and small Texas cities, while major metros continue to draw residents.
Detailed 2020 Census Data Coming in 2023
The data release was delayed in part so that the agency could implement a new privacy policy aimed at protecting the identities of respondents.
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
First Model Homes Revealed in Disney-Built Community
Disney’s Cotino, in the Southern California desert, is the first of the company’s ‘Storybook Living’ developments.
Cincinnati Seeks to Repurpose Its Unused Subway Tunnel
City officials are looking for proposals to use Cincinnati's long-abandoned subway tunnels, but not for transit; they already tried that.
President Sets New Deadline for Replacing Lead Pipes
U.S. cities are charged with replacing dangerous lead pipes and improving drinking water quality within the next 13 years.
400-Year-Old Oak Tree Designated as Historic Landmark
The tree’s landmark status celebrates its deep-rooted history and symbolizes the community's dedication to preserving local ecological treasures.
Arizona Native Community Launches First Solar-Over-Canal Project
Covering an irrigation canal with solar panels doubles its utility, producing renewable energy while protecting canal infrastructure and reducing water evaporation.
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.
BluePoint Planning
Economic & Planning Systems
Village of Glen Ellyn
Washington University
World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation