Government / Politics

A First Look at the Proposed 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is fast approaching, and this week the Census Bureau crossed a major item of its to-do list in preparation for the next census by presenting its list proposed questions to Congress.

California Is 'Recruiting' U.S. EPA Employees
Under the Trump Administration, federal employees dedicated to causes like climate change mitigation face uncertain prospects. They could turn to accommodating state governments.

California Approves Nation's Toughest Methane Emissions Rule
While Congress is attempting to roll back a federal regulation on methane emissions, the California Air Resources Board approved a landmark rule that regulates methane emissions from onshore and offshore oil and gas production and storage facilities.

State Legislation to Pressure New York City for Property Tax Reform
New York City's property tax system is a growing source of political consternation, and now state legislators have entered the fray.

Vehicle Emission Standards Showdown Looming Between California and U.S. EPA
A legal battle is looming between the nation's two most powerful environmental regulators after the California Air Resources Board on Friday defied President Trump by approving vehicle fuel efficiency standards that Trump has promised to ease.

President Trump Approves Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline from Alberta to Nebraska
Following through on a January executive action, President Trump announced Friday that he was approving the oil pipeline that his predecessor had rejected over a year ago. Oil is already flowing from Steele City, Nebraska to Gulf Coast refineries.

Finding Hope In Challenging Times
Despite depressing U.S. federal politics, there are many encouraging planning trends if you look internationally and locally.
Can Insurance Markets Jump-Start Resilience?
Risk-management experts are seeking creative ways to finance resilience investments that prevent damage from natural disasters. Insurance markets, with their direct stake in protecting homes and businesses, can be key partners in this effort.

Transportation Sales Tax Advances in Colorado Legislature
A bill to ask voters in November to increase the state sales tax by 0.62 percent to fund transportation projects passed its first House committee March 22 on a partisan vote, with Democrats in support and Republican opposed.

Surprising Trump Effect: Many States Seek to Ramp-Up Renewable Energy Mandates
As President Trump rolls back climate and energy regulations, many states are attempting to require utilities to get more power from renewable sources. Also, fewer states are attempting to reduce or eliminate renewable energy requirements.

Texas Bill to Slow Property Tax Increases Advances
The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 2, which would require a vote to raise property taxes beyond 5 percent—lowered from the current threshold of 8 percent.

APA Opposes Trump's Proposed Federal Budget
The American Planning Association has been outspoken in its opposition to the cuts proposed by the, still speculative, budget proposed by the Trump Administration.

Sesame Street vs. Donald Trump
Sesame Street, which would lose federal support if some of the cuts proposed by the Trump Administration's draft budget go into effect, has been lampooning Donald Trump since long before he became president.

Should People Who Bike Pay Their Own Way, and How?
A common refrain among politicians who oppose bike infrastructure investments is that people who bike don't pay for those projects. What's a bike advocate to do?

A Better Way to Compare Cities
An online tool released three weeks ago by the Chicago Federal Reserve allows a more nuanced comparison between peer cities.
Tackling the Design Profession's Gender Equity Problem
With increasing awareness and discussion about the gender gap apparent across most of Corporate America, this article explores how the Architecture and Engineering industry is seeking to close the gap and empower women.

Trump Budget's Devastating Effect on the EPA and Two of America's Greatest Water Resources
President Trump's budget for 2018 has the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency take the steepest hit—31 percent. Funding for two vital programs, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chesapeake Bay Program, will have their funds eliminated.

California's Plan to Save the Salton Sea
The Salton Sea is drying up, and California is poised to spend $383 million to keep that from happening. At stake are Colorado River water negotiations between California, Arizona, and Nevada.

HUD: The Basics on an Embattled Agency
HUD has a complicated and controversial history, and it's all coming into play as the Trump Administration proposes funding cuts and installs problematic leadership.
For Fracking's Sake, Another 'Burdensome' Environmental Regulation Repealed
The first and only federal regulation overseeing the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands has been withdrawn upon orders issued by Ryan Zinke, the Secretary of the Interior.
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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