In a sign of rebellion against homowner association boards, three new California bills would weaken the powers of HOAs.
"These private neighborhood associations have become the first level of government for an estimated 50 million Americans, regulating such things as how homes are painted, the condition of lawns and the placement of flowerpots... Some boards act like military regimes, the critics say, issuing judgments based on whim and fining residents for innocuous violations such as owning oversized pets or flying flags without authorization. The flag issue, in particular, has sparked criticism in many private communities after the terrorism of Sept. 11, 2001."
Thanks to Laura Kranz
FULL STORY: Bills Target Homeowner Associations

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.
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