Government / Politics

Study: New Markets Tax Credit 'Does What it Promises, Most of the Time'
The program, which gives tax credits to investors, has resulted in added jobs, increased incomes, and low rates of displacement.

Local Control and the Housing Crisis
The unchecked power of individual city councilmembers has, in some cases, restricted housing development and fueled corruption.

Direct Payment, Rent Relief, Homelessness Funding in Expanded 'California Comeback Plan'
Nearly 6 million Californians will receive $600 in economic stimulus checks as the state makes a plan to spend its surprise, massive budget surplus. $2.6 million for rent relief and $2 billion to pay utility bills are also planned.

Reopening New York, New Jersey and Connecticut: Is May 19 Too Soon?
Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths are dropping in the U.S. Govs. Andrew Cuomo, Phil Murphy, and Ned Lamont jointly announced on May 3 that their states would lift most restrictions on May 19. Experts and residents have mixed reactions.

Is the 'Tragedy of the Commons' a Myth?
Examples from around the world showing that the popular theory often doesn't hold up present powerful implications for commons management.

Researchers Propose the Concept of 'Anthropogenic Drought'
As climate change heightens the risk of intense drought periods, a new framework can help scientists better understand the interconnected causes and effects of drought.

Two Demographic Firsts, Both Losses, for California
The nation's most populous state learned from the Census Bureau last month that it would lose a congressional district for the first time in its history. On Friday, it revealed that 2020 was the first year since 1850 to experience a population loss.

Most Americans Unaware of Flood Risks, Study Finds
The lack of disclosure laws in most states has led to an overvaluation of homes located in floodplains across the country.

The 'Crisis of Non-Replacement' Undermining Black Neighborhoods
A new study shows a troubling reversal of fortunes in many middle-class Black neighborhoods.

Bill Requiring Zero-Emissions Car Sales by 2035 Passes New York Legislature
The bill also calls for increased investment in charging infrastructure and financial incentives for consumers.

Japan's Rental Housing Market Defined by Land Scarcity, Earthquakes, Demographic Shifts
The island nation's housing market faces a discrepancy between existing stock and rapidly changing demographics.

Southern California's Water Conservation and Storage Efforts Paying Off
The region has poured over a billion dollars into storage infrastructure and demand management policies in anticipation of worsening drought conditions.

Texas Lawmakers Want to Shut Down Grandfathered Red-Light Cameras
Despite a statewide ban approved by the Texas State Legislature in 2019, four Texas cities still have active contracts with photographic enforcement companies.

Regional Bikeway System Planned for Sacramento Area
The proposed network would improve connectivity between the area's existing bikeways and increase access to regional job centers.

'Indirect Source Rule' Would Clean Up Warehouses in Southern California
Dr. Joe Lyou, CEO of the Coalition for Clean Air, walks through the legal necessity of South Coast AQMD's proposed Indirect Source Rule, which aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission technologies and fleet electrification.

Transitional Housing Project Rejected Due to Parking Concerns
The nonprofit developer of a transitional housing project in Dorchester, Massachusetts argues that most residents of the proposed project won't own cars, but neighbors worry the added density will put a strain on local parking.

Equity and 'Righting Past Wrongs' to Start the 2021 National Planning Conference
The American Planning Association's 2021 National Planning Conference started streaming this morning, with an obvious focus on equity and the historical role of the planning profession in perpetuating systemic racism.

Towns Offering Cash to Lure Remote Workers
Smaller cities are luring newly untethered workers with cash incentives, bikes, and other local perks.

Why Participatory Planning Fails (and How to Fix It)
“Having participated in several of the I-70 meetings, I got to see firsthand how community input really just meant show up, complain, and we’re going to do the opposite of what you’re asking,” says one Denver councilmember.

Biden Administration Hits Automotive Emissions Reset Button
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Trump administration reductions of auto emission standards enacted by the Trump administration, and is taking first steps toward a new emissions agreement with automakers.
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