Americans generally see bigger as better, and a desire for status combined with local government's desire to attract high-income residents often drives the development of large homes on large lots.
The average new American home is now 2400 square feet. Smart Growth advocates say we're buying big houses on big lawns and making the problem of urban sprawl worse.
To discuss this issue, Great Lakes Radio Consortium Senior Editor/Correspondent Lester Graham talks with Chris Micci, a land development manager for a residential homebuilder, and a former lobbyist for the Real Estate Building Industry Coalition in Charlotte, North Carolina.
FULL STORY: Interview: Why Big Houses?
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.
USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.
NYC Open Streets Organizers Call for City Support
The number of open streets projects has dropped year after year as volunteer groups struggle to fund and staff them.
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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.
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