California's 2,000+ special districts hold over $3 billion, with little or no public oversight over how the funds are spent.
D. J. Waldie, public information officer for the city of Lakewood and author of "Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir" presents a disturbing look at California's questionable special districts, with a particular emphasis on the Water Replenishment District. Since being mandated, many of these special districts have slipped beyond government or public scrutiny.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Phanton Governmets

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.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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