Government / Politics

What California Can Learn from France About Tackling a Housing Crisis
As California continues to grapple with staggering housing issues, France's experience offers lessons about the kinds of housing policies and strategies that work.

Understanding North Carolina's Urban-Rural Divide
North Carolina cities are thriving, but rural counties are not experiencing the same level of growth. Still, residents in rural areas say the numbers do not necessarily capture the whole picture.

Proposed $20 Billion Chicago Megaproject Gets Reprieve
The 34-acre One Central project still faces opposition, but an extension on a federal loan application could give it a much-needed boost.

Massachusetts Legislators Fear Hidden Gas Tax in Transportation and Climate Initiative
Gov. Charlie Baker (R) supports a multi-state proposal to mitigate tailpipe emissions that would increase gas prices and pay for transit projects in an $18 billion transportation bond. A bill has been introduced to ensure that doesn't happen.

When Amazon Brings Both Economic Optimism and Disappointment
A Kentucky town welcomed Amazon’s arrival, but the economic outcomes over the last two decades have been lackluster.

What the Academic Literature Says About Civic Engagement
A literature review notes three big themes and challenges to emerge from a year's worth of intellectual investigation of civic engagement.

More Toll Lanes Coming to California Freeways
Solo drivers in the Golden State will have more options to escape traffic congestion on busy freeways – for a price, as transportation agencies increasing decide to convert existing carpool lanes to high-occupancy toll lanes and add new ones.

Arlington Greenlights $810 Million Hotel and Convention Center Project
The public-private partnership is a massive expansion of the city’s entertainment district.

Modest Densification, a Strategy to Alleviate the Housing Crisis?
Incremental changes to density on single-family parcels could boost the nation’s housing stock without dramatic impacts at the neighborhood level.

New California Accessory Dwelling Unit Laws Take Effect Today
New state legislation will kick in at the start of the new year easing restrictions on ADUs.

Census 2020 Ready for Launch
In parts of Alaska, it's easier to start the Census count in January, when the ground is frozen. They'll get a head start in January.

East Coast Considers Plan to Hike Gas Prices to Mitigate Climate Change
Will a dozen East Coast states and D.C. agree to a regional plan that would likely hike gas prices through a "cap-and-invest" program to mitigate tailpipe emissions similar to what California has done for the last five years?

Lowering the Barrier to Make Public Land Available for Affordable Housing
Municipalities can help fill in a crucial piece of the affordable housing puzzle by making public land accessible for development.

The Flip Side of Single-Family Housing
Much of the debate about housing shortages and rising housing costs focuses on single-family housing as the main culprit. But could it also be part of the solution?

What Free Transit Means to Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri will be the largest U.S. city to operate a fare-free system that officials say will make transit more accessible.

Washington State to Transition to Battery Electric Ferries
Washington's largest diesel emissions polluter will transition its fleet to diesel-hybrids and then to battery-electric propulsion to comply with Gov. Inslee's emissions-reduction executive order which will also please the orcas in Puget Sound.

Phoenix, No Longer an Affordable Housing Haven
Fast-rising rents in Phoenix mean housing costs are out of reach for more residents, and the city is no longer considered a place where affordable housing is easy to find.

Chicago Planning Commissioner Focuses on Disinvested Neighborhoods
A new initiative seeks to bring investment dollars to Chicago communities that for decades have suffered from the loss of wealth and population.

'Extremely Blighted' Designation Spurs Investment in Nebraska Cities
Neighborhoods in Nebraska, located in areas already deemed blighted, will receive priority funding and homebuyer tax credits from the state.

San Diego Smart City Sensors Causing Controversy
Thousands of streetlight sensors are collecting a trove of data—from traffic counts to humidity levels—and advocacy groups say the city needs to be more transparent about how the data is being used and who has access to it.
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