A new study from the Pew Research Center says that even though Americans are driving less, they still see a car as the most necessary item they own. Air conditioning and TV are a good 10% less necessary.
"Americans are driving less because of the recession but a survey by the Pew Research Center show they still rank a car as the number one necessity of modern life. Driving less and eliminating "unnecessary" car trips has been one of the leading ways people say they save money, according to the poll. Asked to say whether an item is a necessity or a luxury 88% say a car is a necessity compared to:
- 66% for a clothes dryer,
- 54% home airconditioning
- 52% TV
- 50% home computer
- 49% cell phone
- less for other items"
FULL STORY: Americans rate cars necessities above all else, but have been cutting car use - Pew research

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.

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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.
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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.
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
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