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.
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.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service