While many places have eliminated their breed-specific bans, some counties hold on to outdated stereotypes that create additional challenges in an already tight housing market.

Dan Reed argues that breed-specific housing restrictions that ban dogs such as pit bulls ultimately constitute a housing issue. Despite public perception that "pit bulls"–which "can refer to several different breeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier"–are "inherently dangerous," writes Reed, history shows "pit bull bans didn’t make communities safer." By now, "most jurisdictions in the [D.C.] region no longer have pit bull laws. Virginia bans breed-specific laws entirely." Yet Prince George's County continues to uphold its ban.
Reed reasserts that breed restrictions create unnecessary difficulties for renters like himself and his partner, who found themselves facing a list of 38 restricted breeds when renting an apartment in Montgomery County. Meanwhile, "'Pet-friendly' apartment complexes may still have restrictions and tend to be more expensive or charge extra in pet rent, putting them out of reach for many pet owners," and "insurance companies can deny or restrict your coverage if you have a pit bull." Reed advocates for the breeds, saying "misconceptions about pit bulls have real consequences for innocent dogs and their families."
FULL STORY: Pit bull bans are a housing issue

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

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.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
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Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions
Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.
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