The APA noted that the 115th Congress was "marked by divisive rhetoric, partisan stalemates, and threats to programs on which local communities rely." At the end of the year, however, it could still celebrate substantial victories.
"APA achieved several notable advocacy wins ranging from saving key tax credits to securing increased funding for critical housing and transportation programs," during the 115th Congress, according to an article by Derek Segars and Emily Pasi.
More specifically, the article digs into the details of APA's advocacy wins on subjects of:
Tax reform – "the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act preserved most of the vital planning and development tax code tools including Private Activity Bonds (PAB), New Market Tax Credits (NMTC), Historic Tax Credit, and Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) that were originally targeted for elimination in earlier iterations of the legislation."
Omnibus spending bill – "Congress ultimately passed an omnibus spending package that met, and in some cases, exceeded APA’s FY 2018 funding request."
Farm Bill – "The Farm Bill compromise passed both chambers earlier in December with the language APA advocated for and was signed into law this week."
Notable absent from the post are the words Opportunity Zones and BUILD grant program, two of the Trump Administration's signature planning related initiatives.
FULL STORY: APA’s Impact on the 115th Congress
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Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Nashville Planning Department
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association