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.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie