Is emiment domain a valuable redevelopment tool or a way for government to intimidate landowners?
Critics of redevelopment say there's an inherent conflict in a partnership between a governmental agency and a private developer. However, California officials say redevelopment remains a valuable tool to combat blight and breathe economic vitality into rundown, decaying neighborhoods.
The concept of eminent domain - also known as condemnation - started off as the government's right to take private property for public use. Public-use projects include schools, highways and courthouses.
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stipulates that governments pay "just compensation" to land owners.
But in the years following World War II, courts changed the requirement of "public use" to one of "public purpose," and local and state governments began condemning slums in the interest of eliminating blight. "
Thanks to g edward freeman
FULL STORY: Property rights and wrongs

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service