“Walkable urban” places enjoy economic success, but face social equity challenges (Greater Greater Washington): “After decades of disinvestment and suburban flight, the Washington region’s urban neighborhoods are now driving the local economy, says a study from George Washington University professor Christopher Leinberger [...] Leinberger measured social equity performance based on housing and transportation costs, unemployment levels, racial diversity, and transit accessibility.” He then found that many “WalkUP” communities that were economically successful, such as Georgetown, “often failed to create or sustain a diverse population.” More research from Leinberger is available here.

Washington DC area is becoming a region of renters (Washington Post: Local): “Notwithstanding steady recovery in the region?s homeownership market, much of the recent population growth and a sizeable portion of the residential construction activity in the Washington area have been associated with growth in the renter population.” In 2010, the DC home ownership rate had fallen 3.5 percentage points since 2006. “The surge in renters includes many in the typical renter demographic — young, single, childless, urban. However, the idea of a “typical” renter is now more varied.” You also can learn more about Catalogue’s DC-based housing nonprofits right here.

Philanthropy on the rise in Asia (TODAY): “Philanthropic giving has been on the rise in Asia over the past few years, according to Speakers at the inaugural Philanthropy in Asia Summit in Singapore, and the trend is even more noticeable in China and India.” Over 2006 to 2010, giving in India and China “has doubled as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product [...] charity contributions in China amounted US$11 billion (S$13.5 billion) in 2010, or 0.1 per cent of the country’s GDP.” On a related note, what do you think about measuring charitable donations as a percentage of GDP? What does it reveal and what information does it leave out?