The new Futures Command will employ 500 employees and represents a big win for the city of Austin in a national economic development process landscape increasingly marked by competitive bid processes.
Lolita C. Baldor reports that the Army has chosen Austin, Texas as the site of a massive new Futures Command facility to focus on the future of warfare in the technological era. It's the first time in decades the Army has added a new facility of this size and scope, and Austin won out over 15 competitor cities, including, Boston, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and Raleigh.
The article includes a lot more about what is known so far about the scope of the new facility, and the economic development angle for the city of Austin.
FULL STORY: AP sources: Army chooses Austin for new Futures Command HQ

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

A Year-Long Investigation On Permanent Supportive Housing
The New York Times reveals what’s working and what’s not in the cornerstone of Housing First.

Survey: US Public Spaces Not Meeting Community Needs
A lack of funding prevents many U.S. parks and public spaces from playing a more significant role in helping residents meet daily needs.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.
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