The diffuse structure of suburbs makes it more efficient, according to this Brooking Institution post, to invest in individuals rather than places to fight poverty.
Natalie Holmes and Alan Berube explains some of the implications of a shifting geography of poverty—from urban to suburban—and its connections to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Now that the geography of poverty is shifting, according to the article, so too will the role of the EITC. Moreover, the article also explains "how expanding participation in the program and paying the credit differently could enhance its effectiveness as a local economic stabilizer."
The article establishes the historical context for the War on Poverty, dating back to 1964, when poverty was mostly urban and rural. Poverty in suburban settings, however, will make place-based initiatives harder to achieve. Therefore, direct investments in low-income individuals, such as the EITC, will become more important.
That's not to say that the EITC fails to benefit a broader definition of community, according to the post. California State University researchers cited in the article found evidence that "the credit creates local economic impacts equivalent to at least twice the amount of EITC dollars received" in California counties. Other examples of the community and multi-generational benefits of the EITC are included in the article.
The article concludes with additional recommendations for how to maximize the EITC as an anti-poverty tool in suburban settings.
FULL STORY: The Earned Income Tax Credit and Community Economic Stability

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?

Florida Seniors Face Rising Homelessness Risk
High housing costs are pushing more seniors, many of them on a fixed income, into homelessness.

Massachusetts Budget Helps Close MBTA Budget Gap
The budget signed by Gov. Maura Healey includes $470 million in MBTA funding for the next fiscal year.

Milwaukee Launches Vision Zero Plan
Seven years after the city signed its Complete Streets Policy, the city is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate traffic deaths.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont