Renters in smaller metropolitan areas are struggling to deal with the realities of rising rent and stagnant wages. At least wages have increased in high-priced areas.

The county of Spokane in Washington exemplifies the regional challenge presented by skyrocketing rental prices.
According to an article by Amy Edelen, the county of Spokane's rental market is putting more and more strain on residents. In Spokane County, half of renters spend over 30 percent of their income on rent according to analysis of U.S. Census data by Apartment List.
By comparison, "Seattle’s share of cost-burdened renters is more than 47 percent – lower than Spokane County – but it’s because rent and incomes both increased rapidly," according to Edelen.
"For smaller metro areas such as Spokane, rents are rising while wages are remaining stagnant," adds Edelen. The article includes a lot more background on the challenges facing Spokane and other areas like it, as well as specifics from the local debate about how to improve the market for renters.
FULL STORY: Climbing rents in Spokane County a burden for many

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

Test News Post 1
This is a summary

Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service