A new speaker of the New York City Council is expected to change the way development negotiations play out for local councilmembers.
Sally Goldenberg offers insight into the potential political effects of a new council speaker in New York City.
The newly elected speaker, Ryan Johnson, has "indicated he will take a more active role in the Council’s land use negotiations," according to Goldenberg.
For context, the previous speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, had a "hands-off style" that proved to be an obstacle to Mayor Bill de Blasio's goals for housing and development. "Mark-Viverito, whose term as speaker ended on Dec. 31, agreed with much of the mayor's agenda," according to Goldenberg. "But she gave the other 50 legislators control over the future of development in their districts, allowing them to reject unpopular residential projects and, in recent cases, attempt to block proposals that don't even require public input."
Goldenberg also details how former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Council Speaker Christine Quinn negotiated the minutia of development deals, often trading down zonings in nearby neighborhoods to deliver an approval.
During de Blasio's term, several high-profile projects have been shot down by local councilmembers. Although Johnson has said he will support local councilmembers, but also introduced the idea that he might overrule them on occasion.
FULL STORY: As Speaker, Johnson to take a different approach to land use decisions
New York City Polystyrene Ban Took Effect New Year's Day
Thanks to two recent New York State court rulings, disposable food and beverage containers will no longer be made from polystyrene in the nation's largest city. The ban was originally proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in February 2013.
Means-Based, Transit-Fare Discounts Take a Leap Forward in the Big Apple
The 2019 New York City budget includes $106 million to subsidize half the transit fare for qualified residents for six months. The city joins the ranks of Seattle, Toronto, and the Bay Area that offer income-based discounts for transit fares.
Praise for Gov. Andrew Cuomo from New York Times on Cordon Pricing
Thanks to the governor's support, there is reason for optimism that a plan to charge motorists entering Manhattan below 60th St. and toll the East River bridges will have a better outcome than Mayor Michael Bloomberg's plan did in April 2008.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions