Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D., demonstrates how community resilience to wildfire needs to include planning and adaptation strategies for homes and neighborhoods.
Archives for 2020
Community benefits of the Merced River Trail
The Merced River Trail in Mariposa County, California will create benefits for the economy and businesses, quality of life, and public health.
Communities threatened by wildfires, 2000-2019
From 2000-2019, nearly 2,000 U.S. communities were threatened by wildfires or potential ember spread, showing the need for adaptive planning strategies.
Census response rates in communities of color
People of color are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Asian Communities
Asian communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Black Communities
Black communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Hispanic and Latino Communities
Hispanic and Latino communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Census response rates in Native American Communities
American Indian and Alaska Native communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.
Wildfire and Vulnerable Populations: Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee
Testimony on wildfires and vulnerable populations to a forum before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
Welcome to Kristin Smith!
Kris Smith joined Headwaters Economics staff on May 1st. As a program manager, Kris will lead community engagement related to flood mitigation and contribute to research on public finance and fiscal policy.
Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county
As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.
How affordable is housing in your county?
Find information on housing affordability by county and compare within your state. See the average share of wages spent on rent and mortgages in every U.S. county.
Housing in recreation-dependent counties is less affordable
Recreation dependence, population growth from new residents, and income inequality are strongly associated with less affordable housing in non-metro counties.
People are hungry: Food insecurity in America
For millions of Americans experiencing food insecurity with low incomes, low food access, and no car, putting healthy food on the table is a logistical nightmare.
The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation
Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.
Land use planning can reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities
Land use planning can help communities become fire-adapted and resilient in the face of increasing wildfire potential.
Federal wildfire policy and the legacy of suppression
Federal wildfire policy that emphasizes suppression—a legacy of early-1900s forest management—has resulted in a paradox: accumulated fuels and larger, more severe wildfires.
The Evolution of U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity
The capacity to generate electricity has transitioned from coal to natural gas to renewable energy, a trend projected to continue.
The health and fiscal vulnerability of rural recreation counties
Where rural recreation counties rely on public funding for health care, fiscal solutions should diversify the ways local governments can save and spend.
Preparing for wildfires during a pandemic
Managing wildfires during a pandemic will test the capacity of our first responders, but individual homeowners can take steps now to reduce wildfire risks.