Lessons from an Inclusive Suburb

Dan Reed writes: " 30 miles north of DC, Montgomery County is trying to build a new kind of suburb in Clarksburg, one that looks more like a small town and where residents don't have to drive everywhere."

"It hasn't totally worked. But Clarksburg might actually have something to teach closer-in communities about how to grow sustainably," adds Reed. Those lessons, according to Reed, pertain to walkability, open space, and creating a mix of housing types.

Some of Clarksburg's success is noticeable in its diversity. "The 2016 American Community Survey found that Clarksburg is majority-minority, as are all of the public schools," according to Reed. "Neighboring Germantown was ranked one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the nation."