Government / Politics

HUD Says Dallas Owes Millions for Mismanaging Housing Funds
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is accusing Dallas of mismanagement of funds, and wants its money back.

The Case Against Aldermanic Control of Infrastructure Spending
Chicago’s alderman have control of millions of dollars of street resurfacing "menu money" for local projects. Inspector General Joe Ferguson argues that money would be better spent in a coordinated effort.

It's Official: Obama's Clean Power Plan Has Been Replaced by the Trump Administration
It took less than a year for the EPA to finalize the Affordable Clean Energy rule, which will allow older coal-burning plants to continue operating, in the Trump administration's most consequential environmental rollback accomplished to date.

California to Study a Ban on Sales of Cars with Internal Combustion Engines
California Assemblyman Phil Ting has tried unsuccessfully for the last two years to end the sale of new gas and diesel-powered passenger motor vehicles by 2040. He achieved some success by securing funds in an approved budget bill to study a ban.

Orange County Streetcar Project Ignoring Equity Issues, Say Activists
Critics say transportation officials have failed to address the potential equity and displacement effects of the Southern California streetcar project.

Proposed Law Would Require Community Benefits Negotiations for 'High Impact' Projects in Philadelphia
A recently proposed law would attempt to force developers and neighborhood projects to the table to negotiate large projects in the city of Philadelphia.

California Looks North for a Climate Partner
California has been lonely for the last seven years as the only state that prices carbon emissions from most sources. Oregon is expected to decide this month whether to join them.

Understanding Cities Through Their Life Cycles
Cities go through ups and downs over time, and where a city is in its longer history can reveal the reasons behind population changes.

Pittsburgh’s Up-and-Coming Stadium and Entertainment District
Housing prices are on the rise in the North Shore neighborhood as the area near downtown grows.

In Mobile, an Institutional Revamp to Tackle Blight
Mobile, Alabama, has changed the way it deals with blight, and the results have been substantial.

2020 Presidential Campaign: Media Coverage of Climate Strategies
Mayor Pete Buttigieg was criticized for supporting carbon capture and carbon taxes, while Vice President Biden was accused of lifting phrases about carbon capture from a "pro-industry" group. But did the media get these stories right?

Op-Ed: In New York, Make Legalization of Micromobility a Priority
The state needs to pass legislation to legalize electric bikes and scooters to give residents more mobility options and discourage driving.

20-20-20: Montreal Sets New Goals for Inclusionary Zoning
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante is championing a new approach to inclusionary zoning, recently released in draft form to the public.

Feds Close Cedar Rapids ADA Case
For four years, the city has worked to make public projects compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Rather than granting an extension, the Department of Justice says it is closing the case.

Summertime Ethanol Restriction Lifted to Help Corn Farmers—But at What Cost?
President Trump made good on his promise last October to lift the E15 ban in time for the summer driving season. Not mentioned by the Des Moines Register are the downsides to allowing the higher ethanol blend to be sold during the summer, e.g., smog.

Friday Funny: Scathing Satire of Anti-Development Rants at Public Hearings
A new satirical essay for McSweeney's provides a template for NIMBY opposition to planning and development, and does not pull any punches in the process.

The Housing 'Migration Chain' That Results From Upzoning
A new working paper adds another perspective to the debate about easing zoning regulations to address the affordable housing crisis.

Many Contender Sites for Chicago Casino
The decision about where to locate a new casino project depends on competing goals—to maximize revenues or bring jobs and development to neighborhoods that need them.

San Francisco to Use Conservatorship for Some Mentally Ill Homeless People
Thanks to legislation by Sen. Scott Wiener passed last year, San Francisco will apply a new tool to force treatment on some homeless, mentally ill people who refuse it, but it's limited to five people annually. A new Wiener bill would expand it.

Around the Globe, Urban Diversity Is Alive and Well
It might feel like the world is shrinking as globalization expands, but many cities still have their individual characters and qualities.
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