Social / Demographics
California Cap-and-Trade Overhaul and Extension Emphasizes Dividend and Equity
While California cap-and-trade survived a legal challenge last month, a haze still surrounds the program. Carbon permit sales are low, and the program's longevity is threatened after 2020. A new bill was introduced to transform the program.

California Growth Shows an Exurban Pattern
The "back to the city" narrative might make for good headlines, but an analysis of California's growth patterns tell a different story. Take San Diego County as an example.

The Gentrification of (Tiny Bits) of Gotham
Reports of New York's gentrification are sometimes exaggerated.

Report: 20-Year Regional Disparities in Life Expectancy
Life expectancy may be rising in the nation as a whole, but in some areas it's going down. Regional gaps are widening.

Report: Tax Increment Financing Is the New Redlining
A new report from the Show-Me Institute provides a scathing critique of the demographic disparities apparent in how the city of St. Louis deploys tax increment financing.

Turmoil at the U.S. Census Bureau as Director Resigns
John H. Thompson resigned on Tuesday from his position as director of the U.S. Census Bureau. Thompson served as director of the Census Bureau since 2013.

What Will Los Angeles Will Do Next On Housing & Water? Look To Their Neighbors
The cities of Santa Monica, Culver CIty, West Hollywood, and Malibu are championing stormwater infrastructure, new public transit, affordable housing, and action on homelessness prevention.

Shifting Attitudes Toward Walkable Urbanism in Houston
According to this survey, many Houston residents increasingly prefer mixed-use areas over single-family suburbia. But there's only so much downtown available.

City of Los Angeles Tops 4 Million in Latest State Population Report
As usual, California's fastest growing counties were inland, far from coastal job centers. The big surprise was that the fastest growing city was an affluent Silicon Valley suburb that had been sued in 2012 by affordable housing advocates.

Study: Greenery Improves Quality and Length of Life
Living near vegetation appears to be linked to a longer life and better mental health—for women, at least.

Which U.S. Cities Are Growing Inclusively?
Research from Brookings identifies metro areas with economies that are not only growing, but growing in an equitable way. The list is short, but may offer some insights.

The 'Jane's Walk' Tradition Continues
In honor of the pioneering urbanist, who would have been 101 years old this week, citizens are organizing "Jane's Walks" in cities across the globe.

Florida, Florida, Florida
In his new book, Richard Florida worries about segregation and redefines "the creative class."

Home Ownership Changes, by City and Ethnicity
According to new data released from the real estate website Trulia, Washington, D.C. experienced the largest gain in Black homeownership in the United States over the past 25 years, Chicago had the biggest expansion of Latino homeownership.

DUIDs Surpass DUIs as Cause of Fatal Vehicle Crashes
2015 was the first year that driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) surpassed those killed while driving under the influence of alcohol. Increased legal access to marijuana is correlated with the surge. Amphetamine use is also a factor.
Friday Eye Candy: Winning Images of Urbanization and Migration
The Penn Institute for Urban Research, in collaboration with Perry World House, is pleased to announce the winner of its 2017 photo contest on the theme of urbanization and migration.
From Caracas to Remote Villages, One Family's Search for Venezuela
Like his father and great-uncle before him, 37-year-old Caracas native Guillermo Lares is using Venezuela's rural traditions to help himself and his contemporaries reflect on the country's current reality.

Hidden Racial Tensions in 'Sundown Towns'
Some use the phrase to refer to Midwest towns where black people "aren't welcome after dark." A legacy of racial persecution has left majority-white places where black people feel their outlier status.
Air Quality and Environmental Justice Lead to Push for Zero-Emission Locomotives
The California Air Resources Board has petitioned the U.S. EPA to adopt more stringent emissions standards for locomotives in order to improve air quality at rail yards, many of which are located adjacent to disadvantaged communities.

Are Jews Coming Back to the Cities?
The growth of urban Jewish populations is more evidence that educated Americans are less hostile to city life today than they were in the late 20th century.
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Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie