'Urban renewal' got a bad name for overusing eminent domain and ignoring the will of the people. Officials in Erie, on the other hand, see "a powerful economic development tool."
The city's Board of Trustees is expected to vote on whether to form an urban renewal authority today, Tuesday Oct. 11th.
John Aguilar reports: "Trustee Paul Ogg has been pushing for an authority for months, saying the additional tax revenues that would be derived from increased land values on redeveloped properties is critical to attracting commercial and retail projects to Erie.
"The power of this economic tool is amazing," Ogg said. "It changes the game we're playing."
Urban renewal authorities are common throughout Colorado and Boulder County -- Boulder, Superior, Lafayette and Longmont each has one."
FULL STORY: Decision time on urban renewal in Erie

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie