Social / Demographics

Dollar Stores Close to Half of New Store Openings in 2021
Expanding wealth inequality has contributed to the explosive growth of "dollar store" retailers.

Orlando Now Less Affordable than San Francisco
An analysis of housing affordability shows rising costs in America's smaller cities.

Reopening New York, New Jersey and Connecticut: Is May 19 Too Soon?
Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are dropping in the U.S. Govs. Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy, and Ned Lamont jointly announced on May 3 that their states would lift most restrictions on May 19. Experts and residents have mixed reactions.

Two Demographic Firsts, Both Losses, for California
The nation's most populous state learned from the Census Bureau last month that it would lose a congressional district for the first time in its history. On Friday, it revealed that 2020 was the first year since 1850 to experience a population loss.

The 'Crisis of Non-Replacement' Undermining Black Neighborhoods
A new study shows a troubling reversal of fortunes in many middle-class Black neighborhoods.

The Changing Demographics of Denver's Suburbs
The Colorado Demographer's Office is projecting big changes for the demographics of the suburban counties and cities surrounding Denver—even as overall growth for the region is expected to slow.

Japan's Rental Housing Market Defined by Land Scarcity, Earthquakes, Demographic Shifts
The island nation's housing market faces a discrepancy between existing stock and rapidly changing demographics.

Americans Are Moving, but Staying Close to Home
Despite fears of a mass exodus, most cities are seeing only modest population losses, with the majority of movers staying in the same metro area.

Equity and 'Righting Past Wrongs' to Start the 2021 National Planning Conference
The American Planning Association's 2021 National Planning Conference started streaming this morning, with an obvious focus on equity and the historical role of the planning profession in perpetuating systemic racism.

Towns Offering Cash to Lure Remote Workers
Smaller cities are luring newly untethered workers with cash incentives, bikes, and other local perks.

Separating Millennial Myths From Reality
The most-dissected generation (yet, at least) is coming of age, and it's time to reevaluate assumptions about their place in the world.

Pandemic Endgame: Redefining the Herd Immunity Goal
So much for vaccines enabling the U.S. to achieve the cherished goal of herd immunity for COVID-19. It is becoming increasingly clear to many public health experts that likely will not happen, according to a New York Times global health reporter.

What Is Displacement?
Displacement—the forced relocation of existing residents and businesses was once a desired outcome of the "urban renewal" projects of the 20th century. In the 21st century, displacement is a highly contested, hard to trace, effect commonly linked to gentrification and urban revitalization.

Pandemic Still Surging in Parts of the U.S.
Bloomberg News' 'Evening Briefing' on April 29 looked at the global pandemic, noting the horrific scenes in India, Brazil's rising death toll, and added, "Coronavirus mutations are also wreaking havoc in America." Oregon is their focus.

Your Not-So-Friendly Neighborhood Oil Well
Much of California's oil and gas extraction takes place in residential neighborhoods, posing significant health risks to entire communities.

Can Cities Be Saved From 'Supergentrification'?
For other cities struggling with sky-high real estate prices, Colorado’s resort town offers some instructive lessons on what’s working — and what isn’t.

Suburban Renters Flocked to Atlanta During the Pandemic
The city's comparatively affordable rents and low unemployment rate have attracted new residents during a year when many big cities saw their population growth slow.

3 Takeaways From 2020 Census Apportionment Data
The U.S. Census Bureau yesterday released its first set of apportionment population and resident population counts for the nation and each state.

Prepping for Today's Big 2020 Census Release
Setting the table as the nation awaits the first results from the 2020 Census.

The Pandemic's Next Phase in the U.S.: When Vaccine Supply Exceeds Demand
The 'light at the end of the tunnel' has become brighter after the vaccination rate tripled since President Biden took office. According to an analysis, a vaccination enthusiasm tipping point will be reached in 2-4 weeks that could dim the light.
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