Government / Politics

Close-up of Californis state capitol dome with U.S., California, and POW/MIA flags on flagpole.

California's Lone Ballot Measure: Too Close To Call

Unlike on prior election days, California voters had only one state proposition to decide on March 5, a combination $6 billion general obligation bond and a restructuring of an income surtax, both dealing with behavioral health and homelessness.

March 15, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Close-up of American flag sticker on a silver subway train.

How Public Transit Became Political

A number of factors explain the partisan divide in support for transit.

March 14, 2024 - Governing

Aerial view of large building under construction with cranes against sunset sky in downtown Charlotteville, Virginia.

Opinion: Local Governments Must Take Urgent Action on Affordable Housing Funds

Cities and states have until the end of the year to decide how to spend federal affordable housing dollars.

March 10, 2024 - Governing

Los Angeles County Moves to Open Schoolyards to Public Uses

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors just approved a motion to extend and expand an agreement with the L.A. Unified School District for the use of recreational facilities at Walnut Park Elementary School.

March 4, 2024 - Supervisor Janice Hahn

Close-up of mobile phone with Airbnb and VRBO app icons.

Running Rampant: How Short-Term Rentals Impact Communities With Loose Restrictions

Brendan O’Brien, author of “Homesick,” talks with us about his new book and what he's learned about the effects of short-term rentals in communities like Flagstaff, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; and St. George, Utah.

February 28, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial view of low-rise neighborhood near ocean in South Bay, Los Angeles, California.

Enhancing Public Services to LA's Unincorporated Areas

The County of Los Angeles recently launched a website to better connect residents of unincorporated areas to information and municipal services offered by the county.

February 20, 2024 - County of Los Angeles

Scenic overlook of town with a lake and snowcapped mountains in the background.

Feds Confronted with New Workforce Housing Issue: Their Own

Rising housing costs in rural counties is undermining the U.S. Forest Service's ability to recruit employees.

February 19, 2024 - National Association of Counties

View of Chicago Old Town neighborhood with low-rise brick buildings in foreground and tall residential high-rises in background.

Which Cities and States Will Join the “Mansion Tax” Club Next?

Higher taxes on high-value property sales are being considered in Chicago, Connecticut, and Washington state as a way to address the housing crisis.

February 12, 2024 - Pew Stateline

Close-up of signs being held up at climate change protest

Report: 100 Trends Urban Planners Need to Know About

APA’s third annual Trend Report for Urban Planners is out and offers a comprehensive look at potential drivers of change that could impact communities and the work of planners for decades to come.

February 11, 2024 - American Planning Association

Nebraska capitol building against a blue sky

Nebraska Considers State Zoning to Increase Housing Density

The bills would require cities to adopt zoning regulations to allow duplexes and ADUs.

February 1, 2024 - Unicameral Update

Expositoin park enrtance sign in Los Angeles, California with tall palm tree in background.

The Importance of LA's Exposition Park

Centrally located in Los Angeles, Exposition Park is a 160-acre urban park that is home to key recreational, cultural, educational, and athletic institutions and facilities. Learn more about the park from its general manager Andrea Ambriz.

January 29, 2024 - California Natural Resources Agency

A red and white tent on the sidewalk with other belongings of an unhoused resident in Miami, Florida.

Supreme Court to Reconsider Martin v. Boise

The justices agreed to hear an appeal from the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, of a 2022 U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that has the potential to loosen restrictions on how nine Western states deal with tent encampments on public property.

January 15, 2024 - San Francisco Chronicle

Amtrak train passing over bridge on Alviso Marsh near San Jose, California.

Planning Year in Review 2023: Zoning Reform, a Rail Revolution, and Climate Realities

Last year’s most talked-about planning issues and news.

January 8, 2024 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of Moab, Utah with red mountains in background.

Moab Adopts Sustainability Plan

Moab adopted a Sustainability Action Plan to map out goals and strategies for the pursuit of sustainability, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The plan was approved by the Moab City Council on December 12, 2023.

January 2, 2024 - Moab Sun News

Aerial view of Portland, Maine at dusk.

Portland, Maine Embraces Zoning Reform for Multifamily Housing

The Portland City Council amended the land use code to allow up to four units on all residential lots on the mainland, and up to three on island lots. It also eliminated parking requirements for these uses.

December 27, 2023 - The Portland Townsman

Aerial view of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant on the Pacific coast in San Luis Obispo County, California.

California's Lone Operating Nuclear Plant Gets Five-Year Extension

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant received approval from the California PUC to operate its two reactors until 2029 and 2030. Five days later, the NRC issued a temporary license renewal.

December 25, 2023 - The Mercury News

White flag with COP28 cliamte conference logo against lightly cloudy blue sky.

COP28: Beginning of the End for Fossil Fuels?

A deal came together “quickly and unexpectedly" on the final night of the nearly 2-week United Nations climate talks in Dubai, UAE, according to a series of articles by Washington Post climate reporters.

December 20, 2023 - The Washington Post

Green lawn in city park full of people sitting on lawn chairs with urban high-rises in background.

All We Want for the Holidays is…

Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.

December 15, 2023 - Todd Litman

Texas Capitol Building

Texas Judge Reverses Three Austin Zoning Reforms

The ruling impacts ordinances passed in 2022 aimed at increasing housing density and supporting mixed-use development.

December 14, 2023 - Austin Monitor

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