Planetizen Newswire
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Middle Class
While the middle class does not face the same kind of nationwide affordability crisis as low-income populations, geography and demographics are placing new stress on middle-income households.
Brookings
In 1970, half of the city's census tracts were middle-income. Now, only 16 percent of them remain so. Polarization between the well-off and the poor essentially splits the city in two.
WBEZ 91.5
California State Senator Scott Wiener argues that advocating for subsidized affordable housing isn't enough. Anyone concerned with ending the state's housing crisis needs to get behind market-rate development.
Art + Marketing
Poverty and inequality are bad things, but what happens when they coincide? A new study points to a startling increase in the number of U.S. counties suffering from both problems.
CityLab
In the election's wake, Richard Florida compiles some telling statistics on the nation's threatened middle class. It's on the decline, yes, but it's also becoming more segregated into certain cities, often in the Sunbelt and Rust Belt.
CityLab
Even as other middle class jobs disappear, the transportation sector continues to grow.
Next City
A Toronto professor pushes against Christian Wolmar's assertion that the tram's demise can be connected to anti-worker policy. For one thing, trams never went away in some cities.
The Guardian
A new report from the AAA indicates that American motorists encounter damage from potholes three times a year, with each incident costing an average $300 to repair. Middle and working class drivers feel the pinch disproportionately.
AAA
Research suggests a correlation between regional income inequality and poorer health. Several statistical and sociological causes may come into play.
New York Times
Minneapolis combines prosperity with plentiful affordable housing, an increasing rarity. Geographical factors play a role, but longstanding "fiscal equalization" policies may make the difference.
The Atlantic
An article on the Washington Post Wonkblog shows how deeply the real estate crash impacted the wealth of the Middle Class—now on the tail end of three lost decades.
The Washington Post - Wonkblog
Boston is experiencing a period of brisk residential construction—most of which will enter the luxury market. New Mayor Martin Walsh has set the creation of middle class housing as a top priority for the city.
Boston Globe
Jed Kolko presents the findings of a study that examines the available stock of housing available to those earning the median income around the country in different cities around the country.
Trulia Trends Blog
As coastal real estate markets—especially in California—grow more expensive, it’s harder for teachers to afford a home. A recent article breaks down the affordability of homes for teachers around the country.
The Wall Street Journal
A new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts tracks the demographics of Philadelphia between 1970 and 2010. Overall, middle class residents left the city during those decades, but there are reasons for optimism regarding the prosperity of the city.
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philly.com
A new study observes the growing economic and income divide’s impact on America’s neighborhoods. Researchers have found the proportion of Americans living in 'middle class' neighborhoods declining, while 'rich' and 'poor' neighborhoods are growing.
The Huffington Post
Though owning a home may be easier today than during the housing bubble due to lower interest rates and prices, in many cities across the U.S. the middle class is widely excluded from homeownership. Trulia crunches the numbers.
Trulia Trends Blog
Inequality is alive, well, and growing in the U.S. As President Obama indicated in a speech last week, it's a problem the country must address. First, says Eduardo Porter, will need to articulate the problem to build the consensus needed to solve it.
The New York Times
Many have commented that for a President with a strong urban background and constituency, Barack Obama has given scant attention to urban issues. Will a new program announced today change that narrative?
The New York Times
With average rents $2,800 more than the rest of the country, and the average home costing $1.46 million, it's increasingly difficult for the non-wealthy to live in Manhattan. Amy O'Leary goes in search of the borough's vanishing middle class.
The New York Times
