New rankings from the 2011 American Community Survey released Thursday show that the residents of the D.C. area have benefited from an economy built on "the federal government, its legions of contractors and a flourishing high-tech sector."
While communities across America have suffered through high unemployment, public sector cuts from dwindling revenues, and foreclosures resulting from the Great Recession, the Washington D.C. metropolitan area has been getting increasingly affluent. New census numbers show that the D.C. suburbs now include 7 of the 10 most affluent counties in the country, with Loudoun County and its median household income of $119,134 topping the list, report Carol Morello and Ted Mellnik.
"The rankings in the 2011 American Community Survey released Thursday
expand Washington's dominance among high-income households, reflecting a
regional economy that was largely cushioned as the recession yanked
down income levels elsewhere. Household incomes rose in most counties
around Washington last year, even as they continued to sink around the country."
Hunterdon and Somerset Counties in New Jersey, and Douglas County in Colorado, were the non-Washington area counties to make the top 10.
Read the full story: Seven of nation’s 10 most affluent counties are in Washington region
Causes and Effects of Widespread Data Center Development
While it’s unlikely to expect local and state governments to insist that data center developments locate somewhere else, specific policy steps can ensure a more positive impact for communities.
Washington Commanders Looking to the Periphery for a New Place to Play
The suburbanization of the National Football League continues.
Legal Dispute Grounds Last Remaining Potomac River Ferry Service
Historic White's Ferry, which has crossed the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland since the late 18th century, has announced that it will cease operations.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment
The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.
Mass. votes against statewide minimum lot size for single-family homes
Over 2 million residents voted on Question 7; it was decided by just over 30,000 votes.
Maryland’s $15 billion bridge project gains key approval
The Maryland Transit Authority said the project will create over 60,000 jobs and add $23 billion to the local economy.
‘No clear next steps’ for Chicago's permanent festival grounds
Eleventh Ward Ald. Nicole Lee has suggested Soldier Field as a possible location for the permanent event space.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority