Government / Politics

How Seattle Is Curbing the Power of Neighborhood Groups
In Seattle, City Hall wants to open the neighborhood planning process to new demographics. The changes have rattled traditional neighborhood councils.
Infill Development is Key to Meeting California's Emission Reduction Law
If California is going to meet the new, steep emissions reductions required by a law passed last September, one of the most effective strategies will be to promote infill housing, according to a new report from University of California at Berkeley.

Ten Ways to Frame Constructive Housing Messages
There are lots of arguments available for people that want to oppose new housing projects, but what are a few guiding principles for framing a supportive and constructive housing conversation?

Sales Tax, Not Property Tax, Preferred Funding Tool for Seattle's Homeless Crisis
Seattle's King County is home to an estimated 10,000 unsheltered homeless people. Local officials are trying to figure out how to raise the funds to address the crisis.
New York City's Highest Profile Transit Projects at Risk Despite Trump Assurances
Planning and construction for the new Amtrak Gateway tunnels unders the Hudson River and the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway could grind to a halt under President Trump's proposed budget that substantially cuts capital grants programs.

Removing California's Costa-Hawkins Act and the Future of Rent Control
In an attempt to combat prohibitively high housing costs in California, some look to repeal the 1995 state law that limits the power of local rent control ordinances. However, removing those restrictions would likely exaggerate current problems.

Debating the Local-Federal Transit Funding Mix
Devolution—or the end of federal funding for local or regional transit projects—is back on the table, thanks to the Trump Administration. Articles in two prominent media outlets debate the idea.

Sent A Strong Message, Los Angeles Leaders Respond With Planning Reforms
In the aftermath of the Measure S vote, members of the Los Angeles City Council have responded by pushing for expediting community plan updates and finding a sustainable source of funding for updating the region's plans.

Breaking News: Supreme Court Rebukes Trump on Clean Water Rule
One of those Obama-era regulations that President Trump promised to ease is the Clean Water Rule, currently tied up in federal appeals court. The Department of Justice had asked the Supreme Court to discontinue the litigation.

Gov. Jerry Brown and State Democratic Leaders Agree on Gas Tax Deal
Revised transportation funding legislation is needed to meet California's ballooning infrastructure deficit, but it needs a supermajority to pass, and it contains a fatal flaw for clean air activists.

HUD Slashes Funding for NYC Affordable Housing
Cutting millions in federal aid to the New York City Housing Authority will "evaporate" years of progress in the city, said the agency's CEO.

Bridgegate Winding Down
N.J. Gov. Chris Christie was never charged in the scandal that shut down access to the nation's busiest bridge for three days in September 2013 for political retribution. His aide and an appointment to the Port Authority were sentenced to prison.
L.A.'s New Planning Framework Starts Now
After the defeat of Measure S, Los Angeles Planning Director Vince Bertoni explains how a slew of new planning reforms will help move the city forward.

Fuel Efficiency Just Became Much More Important
Two widely cited University of Michigan transportation researchers urge consumers to drive more fuel efficient vehicles to reduce their own carbon emissions as President Trump works to relax vehicle fuel economy standards.

FresYes: How Fresno Fueled and Funded a Comeback
Recently termed-out Mayor Ashley Swearengin sits down for an exclusive interview about how she planned for high speed rail investments, championed sustainable water management, and took steps to rebuild the local economy.

The Great Debate: Are Liberal Cities Good or Bad for the Country?
A contentious debate broke out this week, after a pundit proposed breaking up the consolidation of economic and political power of the country's liberal cities.

Missouri Lawmakers Hate Tolls
Missouri State Representative Bryan Spencer (R-Wentzville) on tolls: Don't even think about it, Missouri Department of Transportation.

Coal Miners Are Going Back to Work, Proclaims Trump Upon Signing Executive Order
Flanked by coal miners, President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that begins the roll back of his predecessor's signature environmental rule, the Clean Power Plan, and other environmental regulations to facilitate energy production.

Environmental Justice Champion Leaves EPA Ahead of Cuts
A founder and veteran of the EPA’s Environmental Justice Office has resigned over the White House's plans to shutter the program.

Maryland Governor Shares Transportation Wishlist With Trump Administration
The Republican governor's transportation priorities align with the administration’s agenda, according to the Washington Post.
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Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont