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• 1. [Article] Determinants of the variations in the presence of the subfamily in U.S. metropolitan areas, 1980

  Over the years there has been interest in the living arrangements of Americans and the factors which influence those arrangements. Researchers have considered the growth of families headed by women, household ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Determinants of the variations in the presence of the subfamily in U.S. metropolitan areas, 1980 Author: Umude, John Ossaiedeme Year: 1986 Over the years there has been interest in the living arrangements of Americans and the factors which influence those arrangements. Researchers have considered the growth of families headed by women, household consisting of single individuals, and those composed of unrelated individuals. One area, however, on which little attention has been focused is the presence of extended family living, characterized by the subfamily. The aim of this dissertation is to establish if subfamilies are a random or systematic phenomenon, and to identify the factors responsible for the variations in its occurrences within and across U.S. metropolitan areas. A causal model which accounts for the systematic variations in the presence of the subfamily was developed and tested on the metropolitan and census tract levels. The technique of path analysis was employed and analysis was performed on two geographical levels (SMSA and census tract) using the 1980 census data to ascertain if conclusions were consistent at different levels of data aggregation. The variables employed in the analysis were grouped in four major categories--demographic, sociocultural, economic and housing characteristics. A major finding of this study is that the subfamily is systematically predicted by demographic, sociocultural and economic characteristics and not by the housing variables. It suggests that subfamily will exist regardless of the housing conditions. There were some differences and similarities in the results of the two geographical levels, but overall, the findings indicate that variations of subfamilies is consistent between the two aggregate levels. The model developed held fairly well as predicted except for the housing variables. The research findings suggest that subfamily may be both a voluntary and involuntary phenomenon. Given this, a number of questions were raised that must be addressed in determining whether subfamily living is a symptom of a major social problem or if it is an acceptable alternative family structure for some families in contemporary society. It might even represent both possibilities simultaneously. These questions cannot be addressed with the type of data used in this study. Future research should be directed toward addressing them. If subfamily living is determined to be a problem, future research should help planners and policy makers formulate and implement programs that will alleviate the negative consequences of subfamily life. Title: Determinants of the variations in the presence of the subfamily in U.S. metropolitan areas, 1980 Author: Umude, John Ossaiedeme Year: 1986 Over the years there has been interest in the living arrangements of Americans and the factors which influence those arrangements. Researchers have considered the growth of families headed by women, household consisting of single individuals, and those composed of unrelated individuals. One area, however, on which little attention has been focused is the presence of extended family living, characterized by the subfamily. The aim of this dissertation is to establish if subfamilies are a random or systematic phenomenon, and to identify the factors responsible for the variations in its occurrences within and across U.S. metropolitan areas. A causal model which accounts for the systematic variations in the presence of the subfamily was developed and tested on the metropolitan and census tract levels. The technique of path analysis was employed and analysis was performed on two geographical levels (SMSA and census tract) using the 1980 census data to ascertain if conclusions were consistent at different levels of data aggregation. The variables employed in the analysis were grouped in four major categories--demographic, sociocultural, economic and housing characteristics. A major finding of this study is that the subfamily is systematically predicted by demographic, sociocultural and economic characteristics and not by the housing variables. It suggests that subfamily will exist regardless of the housing conditions. There were some differences and similarities in the results of the two geographical levels, but overall, the findings indicate that variations of subfamilies is consistent between the two aggregate levels. The model developed held fairly well as predicted except for the housing variables. The research findings suggest that subfamily may be both a voluntary and involuntary phenomenon. Given this, a number of questions were raised that must be addressed in determining whether subfamily living is a symptom of a major social problem or if it is an acceptable alternative family structure for some families in contemporary society. It might even represent both possibilities simultaneously. These questions cannot be addressed with the type of data used in this study. Future research should be directed toward addressing them. If subfamily living is determined to be a problem, future research should help planners and policy makers formulate and implement programs that will alleviate the negative consequences of subfamily life. Close

• 2. [Article] The Effects of Scale Variation on Single-Family Residential Water Use in Portland, OR

  With growing urban populations and increasing concerns over the effects of climate change on water supplies, there has recently been a significant amount of interdisciplinary research focused on identifying ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Effects of Scale Variation on Single-Family Residential Water Use in Portland, OR Author: Bonnette, Matthew Ryan Lee Year: 2017 With growing urban populations and increasing concerns over the effects of climate change on water supplies, there has recently been a significant amount of interdisciplinary research focused on identifying the drivers of urban water use. Due to unavailability of individual or household level data, these studies are often limited to using spatially aggregated data. There is concern that this aggregation of data may be leading to misrepresentations of the drivers of urban water use, yet there have been few studies that have addressed this concern. As in all spatial quantitative analyses, studies in this area should consider how the spatial scales chosen for analysis are affecting the results. The purpose of this research is to use a case study of single-family residential (SFR) water use in Portland, Oregon to determine the extent to which scale variation significantly affects the patterns of SFR water use, and whether household scale water use is influenced by neighborhood and census tract characteristics. The results of this analysis provide evidence that aggregating household scale water use data can mask meaningful patterns in SFR water use and potentially provide misleading information on what is influencing water use habits. This research also shows that using the chosen exploratory variables, there is a statistically significant, but not substantial, cross-scale influence on household scale water use by neighborhood and census tract characteristics. Title: The Effects of Scale Variation on Single-Family Residential Water Use in Portland, OR Author: Bonnette, Matthew Ryan Lee Year: 2017 With growing urban populations and increasing concerns over the effects of climate change on water supplies, there has recently been a significant amount of interdisciplinary research focused on identifying the drivers of urban water use. Due to unavailability of individual or household level data, these studies are often limited to using spatially aggregated data. There is concern that this aggregation of data may be leading to misrepresentations of the drivers of urban water use, yet there have been few studies that have addressed this concern. As in all spatial quantitative analyses, studies in this area should consider how the spatial scales chosen for analysis are affecting the results. The purpose of this research is to use a case study of single-family residential (SFR) water use in Portland, Oregon to determine the extent to which scale variation significantly affects the patterns of SFR water use, and whether household scale water use is influenced by neighborhood and census tract characteristics. The results of this analysis provide evidence that aggregating household scale water use data can mask meaningful patterns in SFR water use and potentially provide misleading information on what is influencing water use habits. This research also shows that using the chosen exploratory variables, there is a statistically significant, but not substantial, cross-scale influence on household scale water use by neighborhood and census tract characteristics. Close

• 3. [Article] Structure and Dynamics of Household Hazardous Wastes

  Municipal Solid wastes--the majority of which are household refuse--have, increasingly been implicated as a source of hazardous materials in landfill leachate discharges (U.S. EPA 1988). Data collected ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Structure and Dynamics of Household Hazardous Wastes Author: Wilson, Douglas C., Rathje, William L. Year: 1989 Municipal Solid wastes--the majority of which are household refuse--have, increasingly been implicated as a source of hazardous materials in landfill leachate discharges (U.S. EPA 1988). Data collected on the components of these wastes are critical for solid wastes systems planning--especially landfill design, hazardous materials collection systems, and resource recovery. A number of recent studies by the University of Arizona's Garbage Project have identified household products as a possible source of hazardous materials in landfills (Wilson 1985, Rathje et al. 1987a, 1987b). Studies have addressed (1) the definition of these "household hazardous wastes" (HHW), (2) the characteristics of HHW from hands-on analyses of residential solid wastes in four United States study cities and Mexico City, Mexico, (3) the relationships between derived waste characteristics and within-study city Socioeconomic variability and variability between the regions studied and (4) the potential biodegradation pathways and characteristics of municipal landfill leachates. Results of these studies suggest that: (1) While HHW comprises a very small proportion of the total residential solid wastes, total quantities generated per year are quite high. (2) Significant differences in HHW discard rates are observed between both study communities and census tracts within study communities. (3) Socioeconomic variability between census tracts (within study communities), are related to the differential discard of HHW and, we believe, can be used to estimate characteristics of HHW in U.S. cities without necessitating further large-scale, costly, refuse sorts. (4) Long-term discard trends for HHW may influence the levels of risk associated with these wastes. Garbage Project HHW studies have been funded at the national level by the Water Quality Engineering Division of the National Science Foundation and the Office of Solid Wastes of the Environmental Protection Agency and at the local level by city and county governments, private research organizations, and university departments. Title: Structure and Dynamics of Household Hazardous Wastes Author: Wilson, Douglas C., Rathje, William L. Year: 1989 Municipal Solid wastes--the majority of which are household refuse--have, increasingly been implicated as a source of hazardous materials in landfill leachate discharges (U.S. EPA 1988). Data collected on the components of these wastes are critical for solid wastes systems planning--especially landfill design, hazardous materials collection systems, and resource recovery. A number of recent studies by the University of Arizona's Garbage Project have identified household products as a possible source of hazardous materials in landfills (Wilson 1985, Rathje et al. 1987a, 1987b). Studies have addressed (1) the definition of these "household hazardous wastes" (HHW), (2) the characteristics of HHW from hands-on analyses of residential solid wastes in four United States study cities and Mexico City, Mexico, (3) the relationships between derived waste characteristics and within-study city Socioeconomic variability and variability between the regions studied and (4) the potential biodegradation pathways and characteristics of municipal landfill leachates. Results of these studies suggest that: (1) While HHW comprises a very small proportion of the total residential solid wastes, total quantities generated per year are quite high. (2) Significant differences in HHW discard rates are observed between both study communities and census tracts within study communities. (3) Socioeconomic variability between census tracts (within study communities), are related to the differential discard of HHW and, we believe, can be used to estimate characteristics of HHW in U.S. cities without necessitating further large-scale, costly, refuse sorts. (4) Long-term discard trends for HHW may influence the levels of risk associated with these wastes. Garbage Project HHW studies have been funded at the national level by the Water Quality Engineering Division of the National Science Foundation and the Office of Solid Wastes of the Environmental Protection Agency and at the local level by city and county governments, private research organizations, and university departments. Close

• 4. [Article] Southeast Portland Comprehensive Housing Plan: Background Report

  The preliminary data collection and analysis of housing issues in Southeast Portland (S.E.) occurred during the Fall Quarter of 1988. General issues relating to housing stock were identified through group ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Southeast Portland Comprehensive Housing Plan: Background Report Author: Portland State University. College of Urban and Public Affairs Year: 1989 The preliminary data collection and analysis of housing issues in Southeast Portland (S.E.) occurred during the Fall Quarter of 1988. General issues relating to housing stock were identified through group methods. These issues were broken into two broad areas--housing stock issues and socio-economic concerns. The critical linkages between the issues were developed through research, interviews, and input from S.E. Coalitions (Inner and outer Southeast Portland, and the Land Use Committee). In order to provide for a quantitative framework for the purposes of analysis, 1980 census data, Metro's "Regional Pactbook" and the City of Portland's "Neighborhood Profiles" were used as source documents. The data was aggradated at the block group, census tract, and neighborhood boundary level in order to pinpoint specific trends and concentrations of housing issues in Southeast Portland. This report provides a detailed summary of the issue findings and their linkages to housing in S.E. Title: Southeast Portland Comprehensive Housing Plan: Background Report Author: Portland State University. College of Urban and Public Affairs Year: 1989 The preliminary data collection and analysis of housing issues in Southeast Portland (S.E.) occurred during the Fall Quarter of 1988. General issues relating to housing stock were identified through group methods. These issues were broken into two broad areas--housing stock issues and socio-economic concerns. The critical linkages between the issues were developed through research, interviews, and input from S.E. Coalitions (Inner and outer Southeast Portland, and the Land Use Committee). In order to provide for a quantitative framework for the purposes of analysis, 1980 census data, Metro's "Regional Pactbook" and the City of Portland's "Neighborhood Profiles" were used as source documents. The data was aggradated at the block group, census tract, and neighborhood boundary level in order to pinpoint specific trends and concentrations of housing issues in Southeast Portland. This report provides a detailed summary of the issue findings and their linkages to housing in S.E. Close

• 5. [Article] Dreamscape: The Face of Regional Housing

  Few things are more central to the “American Dream” than owning your own home. Home ownership provides privacy and security. It binds us to our neighbors and communities, defi nes our consumption habits, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Dreamscape: The Face of Regional Housing Author: Straub, Alton Year: 2006 Few things are more central to the “American Dream” than owning your own home. Home ownership provides privacy and security. It binds us to our neighbors and communities, defi nes our consumption habits, and allows us to express our individuality. In the last few years, however, our homes have become “cash cow” investments that, for some people, substitute for retirement plans and college savings. The saga of American homeownership plays out across a complex landscape throughout the US and the Portland metropolitan region. It’s fi lled with many issues: housing supply, neighborhood amenities, population demographics, transportation networks, personal income levels, zoning and property regulations, taxes, and affordability measures (cost versus income). The maps shown here provide a brief summary, using the most recently available estimates for U.S. census tracts (2004 data) of people and homes in the metroscape. Title: Dreamscape: The Face of Regional Housing Author: Straub, Alton Year: 2006 Few things are more central to the “American Dream” than owning your own home. Home ownership provides privacy and security. It binds us to our neighbors and communities, defi nes our consumption habits, and allows us to express our individuality. In the last few years, however, our homes have become “cash cow” investments that, for some people, substitute for retirement plans and college savings. The saga of American homeownership plays out across a complex landscape throughout the US and the Portland metropolitan region. It’s fi lled with many issues: housing supply, neighborhood amenities, population demographics, transportation networks, personal income levels, zoning and property regulations, taxes, and affordability measures (cost versus income). The maps shown here provide a brief summary, using the most recently available estimates for U.S. census tracts (2004 data) of people and homes in the metroscape. Close

• 6. [Article] The Impacts of Gentrification on the African American Business Community of Portland, Oregon

  I focus this inquiry on the impact that gentrification has had on black business and entrepreneurship in the Albina District of Portland, Oregon. The Albina district of provides a unique opportunity to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Impacts of Gentrification on the African American Business Community of Portland, Oregon Author: Hosford, Alexandra Year: 2009 I focus this inquiry on the impact that gentrification has had on black business and entrepreneurship in the Albina District of Portland, Oregon. The Albina district of provides a unique opportunity to measure the effects of gentrification on black business and business development because the area has historically been a residentially segregated black community and has seen dramatic changes due to gentrification in the past decade, including an influx of middle class, white residents. I conduct this examination by subdividing my inquiry into three main sections. First, I provide an outline of the background and evolution of the discourse around gentrification and segregation, both in a U.S. and Portland-specific context, and define the connection between gentrification and the larger area of inquiry focused on racial residential segregation. In the second section, I present an analysis of demographic and housing characteristics in four Inner Northeast Portland census tracts, using them as a proxy for measuring overall change within the historically black neighborhoods of Portland. In the third section, I outline findings from interviews conducted with local entrepreneurs and members of economic development organizations in order to give a localized perspective to the effects of gentrification in Inner Northeast Portland. Title: The Impacts of Gentrification on the African American Business Community of Portland, Oregon Author: Hosford, Alexandra Year: 2009 I focus this inquiry on the impact that gentrification has had on black business and entrepreneurship in the Albina District of Portland, Oregon. The Albina district of provides a unique opportunity to measure the effects of gentrification on black business and business development because the area has historically been a residentially segregated black community and has seen dramatic changes due to gentrification in the past decade, including an influx of middle class, white residents. I conduct this examination by subdividing my inquiry into three main sections. First, I provide an outline of the background and evolution of the discourse around gentrification and segregation, both in a U.S. and Portland-specific context, and define the connection between gentrification and the larger area of inquiry focused on racial residential segregation. In the second section, I present an analysis of demographic and housing characteristics in four Inner Northeast Portland census tracts, using them as a proxy for measuring overall change within the historically black neighborhoods of Portland. In the third section, I outline findings from interviews conducted with local entrepreneurs and members of economic development organizations in order to give a localized perspective to the effects of gentrification in Inner Northeast Portland. Close

• 7. [Article] An Examination of Gentrification and Related Displacement of Black Residents in Portland's Boise Neighborhood, 1990-2010

  Issues related to gentrification and its primary consequence, the displacement of vulnerable populations from their homes and communities, are rightly considered among the most pressing social concerns ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Examination of Gentrification and Related Displacement of Black Residents in Portland's Boise Neighborhood, 1990-2010 Author: Jordan, Jordan Year: 2013 Issues related to gentrification and its primary consequence, the displacement of vulnerable populations from their homes and communities, are rightly considered among the most pressing social concerns faced by urban communities. Portland, Oregon has seen many of its neighborhoods undergo the gentrification transition, especially in traditionally Black neighborhoods. The Boise neighborhood lies within Northeast Portland's Albina district, which has served as the cultural and commercial heart of Portland's Black community for generations. In the 1990 Census, over 70% of the population of Boise (situated within Multnomah County Census tract 34.02) were Black, while 26% were White. By 2010, those figures had shifted to 25% Black and 65% White. During this same period public and private investment in the neighborhood increased substantially, while indicators of gentrification such as median household income, per capita income, housing values and rents, and educational attainment showed significant corresponding increases. Through comparative analyses of Census and American Community Survey data (using 1990, 2000, and 2010 Census data for tract 34.02, as well as intervening ACS 3-year estimates), documentary review, and interviews with longtime residents and community stakeholders, this study explores the process of gentrification in the Boise neighborhood and illustrates the extent of resulting displacement of Black residents from the area. Title: An Examination of Gentrification and Related Displacement of Black Residents in Portland's Boise Neighborhood, 1990-2010 Author: Jordan, Jordan Year: 2013 Issues related to gentrification and its primary consequence, the displacement of vulnerable populations from their homes and communities, are rightly considered among the most pressing social concerns faced by urban communities. Portland, Oregon has seen many of its neighborhoods undergo the gentrification transition, especially in traditionally Black neighborhoods. The Boise neighborhood lies within Northeast Portland's Albina district, which has served as the cultural and commercial heart of Portland's Black community for generations. In the 1990 Census, over 70% of the population of Boise (situated within Multnomah County Census tract 34.02) were Black, while 26% were White. By 2010, those figures had shifted to 25% Black and 65% White. During this same period public and private investment in the neighborhood increased substantially, while indicators of gentrification such as median household income, per capita income, housing values and rents, and educational attainment showed significant corresponding increases. Through comparative analyses of Census and American Community Survey data (using 1990, 2000, and 2010 Census data for tract 34.02, as well as intervening ACS 3-year estimates), documentary review, and interviews with longtime residents and community stakeholders, this study explores the process of gentrification in the Boise neighborhood and illustrates the extent of resulting displacement of Black residents from the area. Close

• 8. [Article] Development of an operational system for monitoring the changes in urban subarea residential housing status: a spatial analytic application of the formulations of neighborhood filtering and neighborhood dynamics

  This dissertation focuses on the precise and meaningful measurement of change as it pertains to the urban subarea residential housing status. The word "measurement" is qualified as meaningful in the sense ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development of an operational system for monitoring the changes in urban subarea residential housing status: a spatial analytic application of the formulations of neighborhood filtering and neighborhood dynamics Author: Mba, Harold Chike Year: 1982 This dissertation focuses on the precise and meaningful measurement of change as it pertains to the urban subarea residential housing status. The word "measurement" is qualified as meaningful in the sense that the approach adopted is of relevance to public policy. Specifically, the dissertation is aimed at providing answers to the following research questions: First, how can the changes in residential housing status in the different parts of an urban area be precisely and meaningfully measured? Second, what variables are most appropriate for the measurement? Third, can these variables be useful for differentiating between various parts of the urban area? Fourth, do the resul ts of an urban subarea housing classification system depend on the specific variables used in the classification? Using data drawn mainly from the 1960 and 1970 censuses of housing for Portland, Oregon SMSA, a simple but robust methodology is developed for indexing and monitoring changes in the urban subarea residential housing status. The research borrows appreciably from Fisher and Winnick's, and Toulan' s formulations of the filtering process in the urban housing market. The variables used in the measurement and classification analyses include the changes in the following variables: median home value or contract rent, median household income relative to the average household size, housing quality, percentage of all occupied housing units, and percentage of owner occupied housing units. Principal component analysis is used for construction of composite index of change in urban subarea residential housing status. Furthermore, this composite index is used in a multivariate linear discriminant analysis for the classification of the various subareas (census tracts) in Portland, Oregon SMSA. The findings validate the variables employed in the analyses, and support the hypothesis that the results of an urban subarea classification system depend, to some extent, on the housing market variables used in the classification. The findings from the study show that operationally simple but robust systems can be developed for monitoring the changes in residential housing status in urban neighborhoods, in relation to the general urban area. Title: Development of an operational system for monitoring the changes in urban subarea residential housing status: a spatial analytic application of the formulations of neighborhood filtering and neighborhood dynamics Author: Mba, Harold Chike Year: 1982 This dissertation focuses on the precise and meaningful measurement of change as it pertains to the urban subarea residential housing status. The word "measurement" is qualified as meaningful in the sense that the approach adopted is of relevance to public policy. Specifically, the dissertation is aimed at providing answers to the following research questions: First, how can the changes in residential housing status in the different parts of an urban area be precisely and meaningfully measured? Second, what variables are most appropriate for the measurement? Third, can these variables be useful for differentiating between various parts of the urban area? Fourth, do the resul ts of an urban subarea housing classification system depend on the specific variables used in the classification? Using data drawn mainly from the 1960 and 1970 censuses of housing for Portland, Oregon SMSA, a simple but robust methodology is developed for indexing and monitoring changes in the urban subarea residential housing status. The research borrows appreciably from Fisher and Winnick's, and Toulan' s formulations of the filtering process in the urban housing market. The variables used in the measurement and classification analyses include the changes in the following variables: median home value or contract rent, median household income relative to the average household size, housing quality, percentage of all occupied housing units, and percentage of owner occupied housing units. Principal component analysis is used for construction of composite index of change in urban subarea residential housing status. Furthermore, this composite index is used in a multivariate linear discriminant analysis for the classification of the various subareas (census tracts) in Portland, Oregon SMSA. The findings validate the variables employed in the analyses, and support the hypothesis that the results of an urban subarea classification system depend, to some extent, on the housing market variables used in the classification. The findings from the study show that operationally simple but robust systems can be developed for monitoring the changes in residential housing status in urban neighborhoods, in relation to the general urban area. Close

• 9. [Article] On the Estimation of Volumes of Roadways: An Investigation of Stop-Controlled Minor Legs

  This effort seeks to answer the question; can a transferable model be developed from easily obtainable, publicly available land-use, census, roadway, and network data for the use in safety performance ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: On the Estimation of Volumes of Roadways: An Investigation of Stop-Controlled Minor Legs Author: Barnett, Joel Stephen Year: 2015 This effort seeks to answer the question; can a transferable model be developed from easily obtainable, publicly available land-use, census, roadway, and network data for the use in safety performance functions? 474 stop-controlled minor legs were used as the training data set using ordinary least squares regression. A best-fit model of maximum independent variables, n=12 was chosen using an exhaustive approach using Mallow's Cp to select the model with least bias in the predictors. The results of the analysis revealed that the combination of variables from Washington, Ohio, and North Carolina did not have a strong relationship. The best-fit model incorporated functional class information of the major-leg, minor leg functional class information, longitudinal markings, access to a parking lot, and population density of census tract. Validation of the model demonstrated an average 59 percent error between the model estimated and actual AADT values for validation data set (n=54). Furthermore, separate models for each state revealed a lack of uniformity in the dependent variables, and more variance description of the state specific AADT. Title: On the Estimation of Volumes of Roadways: An Investigation of Stop-Controlled Minor Legs Author: Barnett, Joel Stephen Year: 2015 This effort seeks to answer the question; can a transferable model be developed from easily obtainable, publicly available land-use, census, roadway, and network data for the use in safety performance functions? 474 stop-controlled minor legs were used as the training data set using ordinary least squares regression. A best-fit model of maximum independent variables, n=12 was chosen using an exhaustive approach using Mallow's Cp to select the model with least bias in the predictors. The results of the analysis revealed that the combination of variables from Washington, Ohio, and North Carolina did not have a strong relationship. The best-fit model incorporated functional class information of the major-leg, minor leg functional class information, longitudinal markings, access to a parking lot, and population density of census tract. Validation of the model demonstrated an average 59 percent error between the model estimated and actual AADT values for validation data set (n=54). Furthermore, separate models for each state revealed a lack of uniformity in the dependent variables, and more variance description of the state specific AADT. Close

• 10. [Article] Determinants of Single Family Residential Water Use Across Scales in Four Western US Cities

  A growing body of literature examines urban water sustainability with increasing evidence that locally-based physical and social spatial interactions contribute to water use. These studies however are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Determinants of Single Family Residential Water Use Across Scales in Four Western US Cities Author: Chang, Heejun, Bonnette, Matthew Ryan, Stoker, Philip, Crow-Miller, Britt, Wentz, Elizabeth A, Year: 2017 A growing body of literature examines urban water sustainability with increasing evidence that locally-based physical and social spatial interactions contribute to water use. These studies however are based on single-city analysis and often fail to consider whether these interactions occur more generally. We examine a multi-city comparison using a common set of spatially-explicit water, socioeconomic, and biophysical data. We investigate the relative importance of variables for explaining the variations of single family residential (SFR) water uses at Census Block Group (CBG) and Census Tract (CT) scales in four representative western US cities - Austin, Phoenix, Portland, and Salt Lake City, - which cover a wide range of climate and development density. We used both ordinary least squares regression and spatial error regression models to identify the influence of spatial dependence on water use patterns. Our results show that older downtown areas show lower water use than newer suburban areas in all four cities. Tax assessed value and building age are the main determinants of SFR water use across the four cities regardless of the scale. Impervious surface area becomes an important variable for summer water use in all cities, and it is important in all seasons for arid environments such as Phoenix. CT level analysis shows better model predictability than CBG analysis. In all cities, seasons, and spatial scales, spatial error regression models better explain the variations of SFR water use. Such a spatially-varying relationship of urban water consumption provides additional evidence for the need to integrate urban land use planning and municipal water planning. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Title: Determinants of Single Family Residential Water Use Across Scales in Four Western US Cities Author: Chang, Heejun, Bonnette, Matthew Ryan, Stoker, Philip, Crow-Miller, Britt, Wentz, Elizabeth A, Year: 2017 A growing body of literature examines urban water sustainability with increasing evidence that locally-based physical and social spatial interactions contribute to water use. These studies however are based on single-city analysis and often fail to consider whether these interactions occur more generally. We examine a multi-city comparison using a common set of spatially-explicit water, socioeconomic, and biophysical data. We investigate the relative importance of variables for explaining the variations of single family residential (SFR) water uses at Census Block Group (CBG) and Census Tract (CT) scales in four representative western US cities - Austin, Phoenix, Portland, and Salt Lake City, - which cover a wide range of climate and development density. We used both ordinary least squares regression and spatial error regression models to identify the influence of spatial dependence on water use patterns. Our results show that older downtown areas show lower water use than newer suburban areas in all four cities. Tax assessed value and building age are the main determinants of SFR water use across the four cities regardless of the scale. Impervious surface area becomes an important variable for summer water use in all cities, and it is important in all seasons for arid environments such as Phoenix. CT level analysis shows better model predictability than CBG analysis. In all cities, seasons, and spatial scales, spatial error regression models better explain the variations of SFR water use. Such a spatially-varying relationship of urban water consumption provides additional evidence for the need to integrate urban land use planning and municipal water planning. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Close