An influx of well-heeled professionals into Boston has stanched the exodus of middle-class families from the city.
"The 2000 census revealed that nonfamily households -- made up of those living alone or with unrelated adults -- were now in the majority in Boston for the first time. The city's public schools have experienced an enrollment decline of more than 5,000 students since 2000, and are serving an increasingly poor population, with the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch rising from 62 percent in 1994 to about 75 percent a decade later."
"Boston seems to be following a two-track course: Eager for the expanded tax base and economic activity that comes with new high-end residential development, the city is rolling out the welcome mat for the less-rooted monied class, while trying to convince middle-class families it hasn't given up on them."
Thanks to Adam Ploetz
FULL STORY: There Goes the Neighborhood

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
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At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

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Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

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Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

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Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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