State Agency Will Finance Homes for 64,600 Families Over Five Years.
Governor Gray Davis announced two important housing initiatives that will lead to homes for at least 64,000 families by 2005. California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA) has adopted an aggressive $8.8 billion, five-year business plan to provide loans for 64,000 homes and apartment units for working families, the elderly, and those with special needs. A component of the plan is the immediate funding of $10.3 million to 10 local agencies in an innovative state/local partnership that will create nearly 600 affordable housing units. "To sustain our remarkable economic growth, California must increase the supply of affordable housing for working families," Governor Davis said. "CHFAs Business Plan will provide much needed affordable home loans and financing of rental units for low and moderate income families."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Governor Davis Announces Nearly $9 Billion for Housing Programs

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
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Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service