As the dust from this election cycle settles, it is more apparent than ever that communities are facing increasingly severe and compounding challenges. Economic inequities and the financial pressures tied to the needs of daily life are squeezing communities of every shape, size, and geographic location—and housing and transportation costs are clear contributors to these burdens.
Community Connectors is SGA’s program to help equip leaders in 15 small and mid-sized communities to repair the damage of divisive infrastructure. A few weeks ago, members from all 15 teams gathered in Washington DC to receive some extra technical assistance on two challenges that had emerged over the last 18 months of the program: … Continued
Everyone pays for free parking, whether or not they use it.
Right now there are almost eight parking spaces per person in America amounting to almost two billion parking spaces, yet there is a housing shortage of almost two million housing units. How did we get here?
Innovative research from Smart Growth America and the Lincoln Institute reveals the potential for public lands to transform the financial health of urban municipalities. Using Richmond, Virginia, as a case study, the findings outline a clear plan for developing public lands to harness their potential for the greater good. Read our two-page summary Public lands … Continued
In urban planning and development, transit station areas are the unsung heroes shaping our cities. By examining the period from the Great Recession of 2007-2009 through the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2023, a recent report offers invaluable insights on how transit-oriented development can transform our urban landscapes.
Methodology The SGA team analyzed national and regional jobs data and economic patterns in order to evaluate the economic impacts associated with nuclear plants. The analysis employs a comprehensive approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative assessments. It incorporates various economic indicators, including employment rates, income levels, and regional economic growth trends. The methodology is grounded … Continued
Last month, the Nuclear Communities Technical Assistance team hosted the virtual event Building Economic Resilience in Energy Host Communities: A Nuclear Communities Forum. The event was split into two days and covered topics including economic development, from economic diversification and development to community engagement and what to expect for nuclear host communities in the future. … Continued
Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant played an integral role in stimulating the economy of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding Harrisburg metropolitan region from its opening in 1974 until its 2019 shutdown. TMI contributed approximately $1 million in annual tax revenue and an annual $60 million in payroll to the local economy. However, … Continued
As with any industrial facility, nuclear power plants have a limited lifespan. With respect to commercial nuclear power plants, these facilities are initially licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a 20-year period. As reliability improves along with an increasing demand for low-carbon energy, it is likely that the lifespan of nuclear plants can, … Continued