As redevelopment agencies face the chopping block in California, new legislation could allow tax increment financing districts to essentially replace them.
"The infrastructure financing districts are being revamped as possible replacements for redevelopment agencies - a major source of development financing for local governments that is now on the chopping block in Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed budget.
The bill, which recently passed the Senate, would repeal voter approval requirements currently needed to form infrastructure financing districts and issue bonds for them. The legislation also includes other reforms that would help them replace redevelopment agencies."
Proponents are hopeful that passage of the legislation would make it easier for cities and counties to fund local public projects.
FULL STORY: California TIFs May Be the New RDAs

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.

Test News Post 1
This is a summary

Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.

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.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service