A law intended to clarify non-discriminatory requirements for lenders -- and upping violation fines dramatically -- could actually scare banks away from doing any business in Montgomery County, Maryland.
"National mortgage lenders are pulling out of Montgomery County, one of the most expensive places in the state to buy a home, because the companies don't want to operate under a new local fair-housing law that industry leaders are calling 'a tort lawyer's dream.'"
"The law, which goes into effect March 8, adds examples to the definition of discriminatory lending and raises maximum damages a hundredfold - to $500,000 from $5,000.
Supporters of the ordinance say those who extend credit fairly, regardless of race, gender or similar characteristics, don't have anything to worry about. But Tom Shaner, executive director of the state brokers association, said he knows of five companies that have decided to stop lending in the county because they believe the law is so 'vague' that they can't be sure what it would take to comply. More are considering whether to follow suit, he said."
FULL STORY: Fair-housing law decried
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.
Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.
Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions