The reconstruction of New Orleans is also reconfiguring the city's demographics.
"While much has been made of shifting black-white ratios and relations in post-Katrina New Orleans, an influx of Latino construction workers â€" documented and un â€" is having its own impact on the city, although with far less public notice, according to new studies from Vanderbilt and Tulane universities.
...In a survey of construction workers in the city conducted by Tulane University and University of California/Berkeley (UCB) researchers, 50% of the 200 workers contacted were Latino, and more than half of those said they were illegal immigrants of Mexican and Central American origins. Whether or not these workers will remain in New Orleans is unclear, but it appears settlement is occurring, reports Katharine M. Donato, a sociology professor at Vanderbilt University who is studying shifting demographics in the three Gulf states affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita."
Thanks to Peter Slatin
FULL STORY: Who's Rebuilding New Orleans?

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.

Idaho Data: Unexpected Vehicle Repairs Exacerbate Housing Instability, Eviction Risk
Over 21 percent of clients struggle with transportation barriers.

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.
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