Welcome

The Inter-mountain West is experiencing some of the most dramatic population growth and land development in the nation. From 1982 to 1997, the total amount of developed land in the region grew by 2 million acres, through conversion of agricultural land, forest, and natural open space.

Arizona is no exception, more than doubling its population and tripling its employment between 1969 and 2003. Arizona is the country's second fastest-growing state, with a population expected to top 14 million by 2040.

This change in rural demographics and land use patterns has resulted in new challenges to local government, planners and ultimately the general public. These challenges range from biophysical landscape changes and associated issues (e.g., invasive species, wildfire) to providing services in previously undeveloped areas with limited tax revenues.

This website strives to be a community resource, toolbox and gateway to the latest and greatest in land use and economic data, news, design tools, maps and publications related to our changing rural landscapes.

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