Richard Florida reports on why America ranks second to last among first world nations for economic mobility; the Northeast remains the most mobile region of the country.
The American mythology is founded on the idea that the poor, the hungry, and the destitute have the opportunity to rise above one's inherited circumstances and create a new destiny and prosperity from the sheer sweat of one's brow. Despite the persistence of this notion in society, America has become one of the least economically mobile countries in the world. It ranks below Canada, the majority of Europe, Singapore, and Pakistan. In Richard Florida's piece from The Atlantic Cities, he cites information from the New Republic and recent studies from the University of Ottawa, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and the Brookings Institution that all conclude the United States is becoming increasingly connected with income heritability.
When the United States is broken into regional demographics, positive correlations exist between economic mobility and education spending per student, high school and college graduation rates, diversity, higher incomes, and a creative class. States with higher graduation rates, more immigrants, and openness to creativity and difference boasted the greatest economic mobility. Conversely, there is a negative correlation between religion, divorce, and teen pregnancy. States which ranked high in these categories had a low index of economic mobility.
The map is representative of divides between "red" and "blue" states. Although much has been made of the growing income gap and culture gap between these two groups, there is relatively little attention paid to the policy differences between states which foster these exceedingly disparate environments and opportunities between regions. The southern states have empirically trailed behind the Northeast as the economic driver of the nation. In an election year, perhaps it's time to start addressing the causes of this gap instead of declaring a color war.
Thanks to Elaine Mahoney
FULL STORY: Why Some States Are More Economically Mobile Than Others

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions