Sonoma County set aside a $100 million park program due to concerns that the Rural Heritage Initiative would freeze land use and building rights.
Sonoma County supervisors set aside a $100 million park development program until after the election due to concern that the Rural Heritage Initiative would freeze land use and building rights and preempt the program. The Rural Heritage Initiative, supported by several environmental groups, would freeze development in agricultural zones of the county for 30 years. Changes in the general plan could be made only by countywide vote. Supervisors add that the initiative would force 60 of the 100 park projects planned to go to countywide vote, which would cost taxpayers up to $50,000 each time. Initiative supporters contend that the language of the legislation provides an exception for parks that are primarily "nonintrusive," such as hiking trails or nature sites, and that supervisors are trying to politically maneuver the initiative into failure. County Counsel Steven Woodside countered that most parks would not qualify for the exemption because they would include recreational facilities such as ball parks.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: County fears of rural initiative sideline $100 million park plan

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
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Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
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LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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