Population trends are often used as a shorthand for a city's economic prowess, but Pete Saunders argues they may be a lagging indicator.

Rust Belt cities like Detroit and Cleveland have lost much of their economic prowess since their peak in the mid-20th century, and the population loss shows that, but in recent years GDP growth per capita tells a different story. While they don't top the list of fast-growing economies, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago rank 8th, 12th, and 20th respectively. Lower on the list in the 30s and 40s you'll find Sun Belt cities like Nashville, Houston, and Orlando.
The Sun Belt has long been booming population-wise, "…but there's growing evidence that population change, up or down, is a lagging indicator -- the moves people make don't always coincide with the current economic path of their chosen destination," writes Pete Saunders in Forbes.
Still the news isn't all good for Rust Belt cities. Cities like Chicago are losing some of their most prosperous citizens, even as the population stays relatively flat. "Even when they're gaining residents in other cohorts, the loss of households with workers nearing their peak in earnings (40-49 year-olds) and their children (10-19 year-olds) virtually bakes population loss into the mix," Saunders reports.
FULL STORY: The Sun Belt's Demographic Delight Is The Rust Belt's Demographic Dilemma -- For Now

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service