The name Cascadia calls to mind forests, mountains, water, vast open spaces, cities and towns and diverse cultural landscapes. But the daily reality for most of us is somewhat different. Yes, there are forests, waterways, urban centers and varied neighborhoods in the region, but there are also miles and miles of very similar commercial strip development, connecting towns along highways and hugging urban edges.
Strips fulfill necessary commercial functions; we all rely on them to some extent and they are where many small businesses begin and thrive.They are the logical products of the automotive way of life, transportation infrastructure, real estate finance, tax codes, retail economics and local land use regulations. Yet, many people will agree that strips leave something to be desired in function and aesthetics. Furthermore, commercial strips in this region also aren't much different physically and visually than their counterparts elsewhere in the country.
