In some places in the United States, mostly in Florida, some suburban cities have become the big kids on the block.

A post on the Panethos blog examines examples from the United States of suburbs outgrowing—in terms of population—the original core city of the metropolitan area. In a conspicuous trend, most metropolitan areas that have managed this trick of population growth are located in Florida, designed as planned retirement centers. Norfolk, Virginia, which has been outgrown by Virginia Beach, provides a geographic exception.
The list of core cities overtaken by their suburbs includes recognizable names like Daytona Beach, FL; Naples, FL; and Hollywood, FL.
Such a population dynamic will crop up in the nomenclature used by the U.S. Census for describing metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). According to the post, "[when] a suburb exceeds the core city in population, the Census Bureau’s references to the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) [pdf] begins to change, as well. For instance, what once was the 'Fort Myers MSA,' eventually became the 'Fort Myers-Cape Coral MSA,' and is now known as 'Cape Coral-Fort Myers MSA,' as the moniker is revised with the changing population status. Poor Fort Pierce isn’t even listed as part of the metropolitan area name any longer, as it is just identified as 'Port St. Lucie MSA.'"
FULL STORY: When a suburb becomes larger than the core city

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie