I was just over 1 year old when the U.S. population hit 200 million on Nov. 20, 1967. Now, less than a month before my 40th birthday, we have reached a new milestone.

According to an Associated Press article, the nation's population officially hit 300 million at 7:46 a.m. EDT Tuesday, when the Census Bureau's population clock rolled over to the big number.

I wonder what year it will be when we hit 400 million? And what new problems that will bring?

Posted by Lisa Maria Boyles at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In today's front-page story by Tim Sheehan on the dramatic population growth taking place in the Valley, Richard Cummings, director of research and communication for the Great Valley Center, asks the $64 question:

"Will this increased population translate into increased political participation statewide, or better-paying jobs?" Cummings asked. "How do we make sure the education system prepares the young people here in the Valley to be entrepreneurs, taxpayers and productive members of society?"

"If we're successful," he added, "we'll be able to create a region that attracts and retains highly educated people, and that's critical to quality of life."

We can use the growth to leverage a better life for Valley residents, but it will take political will and economic commitment on a regional basis. Is it there?

Posted by Russ Minick at 10:51 AM | Permalink