Boston will create a general fund for hotel financing to jump-start economic development in the City.
"Worried that tighter bank lending has stalled momentum on a half-dozen planned hotels, city officials are moving to provide 'gap financing' to speed up a few big lodging projects -- and boost the new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the process....Gap financing is needed because traditional lenders have been scaling back on financing for hotels, city officials and developers said." The mayor of Boston says that "the loan program would spur developments that would bring about 1,500 hotel rooms to Boston, add about $12 million in annual tax revenue, and create about 1,000 jobs." The city stands to gain from the investment, by using interest payments on loans for economic development in Boston neighborhoods. In addition, it would also reap about $6 million in linkage fees, which would be placed in the City's affordable housing trust fund.
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Key for new hotels

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.

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.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie