Mid-sized Massachusetts cities, many thriving industrial towns in the 1950s, have faced decades of severe decline.
"But, if there is any such renaissance underway in Brockton and similar medium-sized cities around Boston and in Central and Western Massachusetts, it is coming on the heels of a long period of stagnation and decline. Median incomes rank near the bottom of the state in Brockton and 12 other medium-sized Massachusetts cities, according to an analysis of Census 2000 data. All 13 of the cities, except for Fitchburg, rank at the bottom of the state for income growth since 1990. In eight of the cities - Brockton, Chicopee, Fall River, Lawrence, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Springfield, and Worcester - median income declined from 1990 to 2000."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: Urban renaissance eludes the state's mid-sized cities

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Can Geothermal Energy Fuel Hawaiʻi’s Future?
Gavin Murphy, a New Zealand-based consultant with experience in indigenous-led geothermal projects, argues that Hawaiʻi is poised to achieve energy independence and economic growth by respectfully developing its untapped geothermal resources.

Climate Gardening: Cultivating Resilient Landscapes in Los Angeles
TreePeople’s 4th Annual Urban Soil Symposium explored how climate gardening, soil health, and collaborative land management strategies can enhance urban resilience in the face of climate change.

Electric Surge: EV Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles in California
California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline nozzles, reflecting its rapid shift toward clean transportation and aggressive zero-emission goals despite federal pushback.
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