The first article in a week-long series examines how Portland, Maine's growing reputation as one of the most livable cities in the United States is quickly altering the social demographics of a once working and middle class city.
"Across Maine's largest city, whole tracts of land are poised to be transformed in the next few years. More than $800 million in major projects are planned or anticipated on the downtown peninsula alone, from the $110 million Westin Hotel and condominium project on the eastern waterfront to the $161 million Mercy Hospital campus on the Fore River.
Much of the development is driven by Portland's growing national reputation as a "cool" place to live, work and play. It's attracting a variety of young, creative professionals, baby-boomers and empty-nesters, many of whom are escaping the stress and congestion of larger cities across the United States.
The trouble is, a lot of the residential development is high-end condominiums and subsidized, income-restricted apartments. Single-family home construction is lagging, creating a housing imbalance that could be the final shove for Portland's already dwindling working- and middle-class core."
Thanks to Mike Lydon
FULL STORY: Housing imbalance may hurt city
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Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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