Renovations of historic structures in Philly are an example of the nationwide importance of the historic tax credit.

The historic tax credit is threatened in the current version of the House tax bill released last week. Its loss would greatly reduce developers' ability to renovate historic buildings and threaten cities' ability to revitalize older districts, and cities like Philadelphia already have a hard time saving old buildings even with the credit in place.
Architecture critic Inga Saffron of the Philadelphia Inquirer cites numerous historic renovations in Philadelphia that have relied heavily on the historic tax credit in order to pencil out. The Divine Lorraine is just one example. Writes Saffron, the Divine Lorraine:
"would never have been salvaged — never mind restored to its original architectural splendor — without the help of a federal incentive called the Historic Tax Credit. A tax write-off for people who invest in historic preservation, it was introduced in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, who saw it as an economically sensible way to make America’s cities and towns beautiful again."
Saffron goes on to produce several other great examples of historic redevelopments across Philadelphia that have saved precious urban resources, spurred other revitalization, and are simply beautiful. As well, she notes National Trust research indicates more than 40,000 buildings have been restored nationwide, creating two million jobs. That alone is reason to save the historic tax credit.
FULL STORY: GOP Tax Plan Would Kill Federal Program that Drove Philadelphia's Revival

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

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)