A proposed bill in the Texas legislature would help prevent displacement of homeowners in areas experiencing reinvestment and redevelopment.

The Texas legislature is considering a pilot program that "would allow taxing entities to offer freezes to homeowners in gentrifying areas" in an effort to prevent displacement. The Dallas Morning News editorial board supports the proposal, arguing that "[t]oo often, reinvestment in historically neglected neighborhoods leads to displacement of the very people it might help" due to sudden increases in property taxes. House Bill 1577, a similar proposal targeting seven census tracts in South Dallas and Harris County, "would allow homeowners in targeted neighborhoods to have the assessed value of their property frozen until the 2037 tax year."
While they support the idea, the editorial board acknowledges that the bill "offers no relief to renters or small businesses owners" and "only buys time for homeowners."
"Dallas needs more tools than this one, such as more affordable housing, more diverse land use and more community input when planning developments. But this bill is a worthy tool that should be approved."
FULL STORY: Let neighbors in gentrified areas keep their homes

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.
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