Community / Economic Development

California Voters to Decide on Major Climate Funding in November
Californians will determine whether to approve a $10 billion bond for climate and environmental projects, which seeks to address critical issues such as wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, and protection of disadvantaged communities.

When You Gotta Go: NYC Launches Public Restroom Map
New York City created a Google Maps layer to help residents and tourists alike more easily locate public restrooms.

EPA Report Highlights Dire Impacts of Climate Change
The latest edition of the “Climate Change Indicators in the United States” report highlights the severe and widespread impacts of climate change on health and the environment, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate these effects.

Oil Industry Withdraws Ballot Measure, Shifts to Legal Fight Over California Well Restrictions
California's oil industry has withdrawn its ballot measure challenging a law that restricts oil and gas wells near homes and schools, opting to contest the law in court.

LA County Parks Celebrates 80 Years with Free Summer Programs
The department has launched the ‘Let’s Play Outside’ campaign as part of its celebration of eight decades of fostering connections between LA County residents and the great outdoors.

Vancouver City Council Eliminates Parking Mandates, Supports TOD
In a significant step for more diverse housing and transit-friendly development, the Vancouver City Council eliminated parking minimums and adopted a Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) policy.

Repurposing Oil Fields Into Parks: Advancing Just Transition and Community Well-being
The concept of a "just transition" extends beyond workers to encompass broader social and environmental dimensions, including the restoration and regeneration of land and communities affected by oil extraction activities.

California Allocates $12.5 Million for Landfill-to-Park Transformation
The grant will help to convert a 142-acre site, a portion of the former Puente Hills Landfill, into Los Angeles County's first new regional park in over 30 years.

Reining in Rising Property Insurance Rates
There are many proposed ways to mitigate the property insurance cost crisis. They all require action from federal or state governments.

Colorado Renter ‘Cash Back’ Program Rewards On-Time Rent Payments
The state is exploring a program that gives people a cash incentive for paying rent to offer renters some of the financial incentives homeowners receive.

Congestion Pricing Compromise?
A CBS News New York report suggests that Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering lifting her ‘indefinite pause’ on the Manhattan congestion pricing project if the $15 toll was lowered. Litigation threatened by the NYC comptroller may be a factor.

Study Highlights Equity Gaps in California's EV Incentives
A UCLA research team identifies gaps in incentive uptake and electric vehicle registration rates in disadvantaged communities.

Revitalizing Sepulveda Basin: A Green Vision for An Urban Oasis
Developed through the input of thousands of community members, this is the first comprehensive plan by the City of Los Angeles for the 2,000-acre basin.

Beating the Heat: Expanding Access to Swimming Pools
The swim season for Los Angles County public pools has been extended, with swim facilities open for five months to provide relief from the hot weather.

New TV Series Highlights Sustainable Aquaculture
Hope in the Water explores the groundbreaking work of dedicated fishers, aqua farmers, and scientists who are seeking to harvest aquatic species to feed our growing population while protecting the oceans.

COVID Isn’t to Blame for the Retail Vacancy Crisis
A drop in demand for retail space began well before the seismic shifts of the pandemic.

Detroit and Michigan on the Upswing
It's been 66 years since the Motor City last grew its population. Census data released last month revealed an increase of nearly 2,000 people last year, nearly half the state's population growth.

Juneteenth Celebrated At Nation's First Jackie Robinson Park
The historic park in Sun Village hosted a vibrant Juneteenth festival, honoring the African American community's resilience and recognizing local leaders and residents.

Nation's First Nuclear Power Plant in Nearly Half a Century Breaks Ground in Wyoming
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had shovel-in-hand for the groundbreaking of his company's small-scale nuclear power plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming, on June 10.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?
Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?
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