Worldchanging's Alex Steffen says the question of cities versus suburbs is the political conflict that will define the next decade.
Grist talks with Steffen about cities, suburbs and exurbs. He sees little hope for sustainability in the outer rings.
"Q. So there's no point trying to show outer-ring suburbanites this future is in their interest?
A. One of the real problems is that we've spent the last ten years trying to convince that group that there is a vision of this future that is going feel to feel OK to them. I'm no longer convinced that there's a vision of the future that will ever feel OK to them.
But there are so many more winners than losers in this fight that it's a smart fight to take on. We are becoming an urban planet. We are already an urban country. When you add together cities and inner-ring suburbs and allied small towns, it's a solid majority of Americans."
FULL STORY: Cities vs. suburbs: The next big green battle?
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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.
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.
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