A new law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds this week, will require extra steps of local officials before they can raise property taxes in the state of Iowa.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 634 into law this week, which implements property tax reform and will have an effect on county and city budgets around the state.
Erin Murphy and James Q. Lynch provided coverage of Senate File 634 in April, after the bill advanced to the governor's desk. Here's how they describe the final moments of the bill's approval process and the significance of its adoption:
Despite heavy opposition from municipal governments, the Iowa Legislature debated through the night before approving a proposal to require local governments to take extra steps before they increase property tax revenues --- whether because of higher tax rate or rising property values.
Supporters of the bill are calling Senate File 634 the property tax transparency bill.
Now that Gov. Reynolds has signed the bill, Brian Morelli breaks down the potential consequences of the bill for communities around the state: Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Marion, and Johnson County.
FULL STORY: How new Iowa property tax bill impacts local cities - or not
Dallas Eyes Big Property Tax Increase to Cover COVID-19 Losses
Dallas will need voter approval to overcome tax increase obstacles put in place by the Texas State Legislature.
What Made It Possible for Oregon to End Single-Family Zoning?
Factors beyond political chance played into Oregon's recent decision to legalize missing middle housing. One key point: the state was already halfway there.
California Realtors Hope Ballot Initiative Will Put More Homes on Market
A ballot measure to enable older homeowners in California, particularly empty nesters, to downsize without losing their tax benefits granted to them by the 1978 Proposition 13, has qualified for the November ballot.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie