Government / Politics

Vancouver Might Allow Non-Profit Housing to Skip Rezoning Application
Vancouver is considering eliminating a rezoning application, which could save non-profit developers up to two years in the city's approvals process.

Opinion: Public Housing Won't Solve the Affordability Crisis
Seeking repeal of the Faircloth Amendment could be a needless distraction in the new administration's efforts to create more affordable housing, according to an article by Jenny Schuetz for the Brookings Intitution.

Outdoor Dining and Indoor Haircuts Return to California
With COVID infections plummeting, Gov. Gavin Newsom surprisingly lifted California's regional stay home order that had imposed the nation's strictest personal and business restrictions during the most deadly phase of the pandemic.

Detroit's Unique Climate Challenges
As climate change intensifies, Detroit could see more devastating floods and deadlier heat waves.

Biden: Masks, Not Vaccines, Are Best Defense in Near Term
President Joe Biden is calling on all Americans to wear masks for the next 100 days to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, issuing two executive orders that require wearing masks on federal property and in domestic and international travel.

Elon Musk Wants to Dig Tunnels in America's 'Sinkhole Capital'
Musk claims the tunnels could ease traffic and "be an example to the world," but experts caution that underground work in Miami is expensive and unpredictable.

Lawsuit Targets Granny Flat Law Compliance in California
A real estate group claims the city has been denying and delaying ADU permits in violation of city and state laws.

An American Lockdown
Words matter. Road safety advocates know that "crashes are not accidents." Similarly, calling coronavirus restrictions "lockdowns," fails to distinguish the severity among public health orders. On January 6, America experienced a true lockdown.

North Dakota's Mask Mandate Expires as Infections Plummet
North Dakota led the nation in COVID cases for months before Gov. Doug Burgum issued a mask mandate last November. Since then, active cases have dropped by 80 percent. The mandate was extended last month but was allowed to expire on Jan. 18.

Friday Funny: Bernie's Latest Meme, Anywhere and Everywhere
Next to the words of Inauguration poet Amanda Gorman, the most lasting impression from Inauguration Day might be an image of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

'The World's Most Beautiful Avenue' Getting A Green Makeover
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo approved a new plan to revitalize the Champs Élysées ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Report: California's Affordable Housing Allocation Favors Wealthy Coastal Cities
A combination of factors including a lengthy appeals process and the cost of construction have led to huge disparities in the number of units allocated to each community.

New Rule Allows States to Bypass NEPA in Favor of State Regulations
Under certain circumstances, states can conduct environmental reviews under state rather than federal regulations.

What to Expect When You're Expecting the Biden Administration
Commemorate Inauguration Day by digging deep into the promises and potential of the Biden Administration.

The Slow Streets Reckoning
Slow streets programs provided a quick short-term solution and paved the way for some permanent street closures and realignments. Now, these programs are getting a second look as community groups react to the changes.

Chicago DOT Strategic Plan Update Centers Mobility Justice
The city, which has been slow to implement complete streets initiatives during the pandemic, promises closer collaboration with community groups to advance equity in transportation.

How Working From Home Is Changing Where We Live
Remote workers are flocking to small, amenity-rich towns in the West, changing their social and economic landscape.

More Cities Legalizing 'Granny Flats'
Accessory Dwelling Units continue to gain steam as one approach for increasing affordability, but experts caution that housing affordability requires broader solutions.

Report: Lackluster Bike Parking Reduces Cycling and Undermines Public Safety
Widely available, secure bike parking can go a long way toward encouraging cycling and keeping New Yorkers safe, a new report says.

Pandemic Update: Sea Change in Sweden
The European outlier of Sweden was embraced by American conservatives as an example of a government relying not on heavy-handed business and social restrictions but voluntary compliance by individuals to reduce viral spread. No longer.
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