Facing possible dissolution, redevelopment agencies in California have gone on a bond-spree in the early months of 2011.
Municipal redevelopment agencies have sold almost $700 million in bonds so far this year, which is more than half of the amount of bonds issued in all of 2010, according to a new report from the state.
"The rush to market comes as the Legislature considers Brown's plan to eliminate the state's 400 redevelopment agencies and send much of the $5 billion a year in property taxes the agencies control to counties, schools and the state.
City officials have responded with fury, saying the plan will starve local economic development, halt affordable housing programs and cost jobs."
FULL STORY: Cities issue a flood of bonds in the face of proposed state money-grab
Affordable Housing Bond Nixed From the California Ballot
Supporters of the proposed bond say the measure will have more success in the future.
Opinion: California Should Invest In Housing, Not Dubious Desalination Projects
A controversial desalination plant in Orange County could receive massive state subsidies, but advocates argue the money would be better spent on affordable housing projects to relieve the state's housing crisis.
Detroit-Area I-275 Project Set to Start Work in July
MDOT will begin to repair and modernize a 24-mile segment of Interstate 275 this summer.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
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City of Astoria
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City of Laramie