Critics in New York City cite that community groups and city officials are often swayed to approve projects by unrelated freebies provided by the developer.
Community Benefits Agreements have been hailed by social and environmental justice advocates as powerful tools to ensure responsible development. The agreements, often required with large redevelopment projects that attract public subsidies, usually provide for living wage jobs and affordable housing, along with other concessions.
"Advocates of C.B.A.'s, as they are known, see them as an outgrowth of the Smart Growth movement â€" the idea that development decisions should address a broad range of social and economic issues like transportation, jobs and housing."
But in New York City, it is becoming more commonplace for major projects to offer all sorts of concessions -- including free tickets to sports events and cash for local community groups. Critics worry that new developments are being evaluated on the generosity of the developer, and not the merits of the project.
FULL STORY: In Major Projects, Agreeing Not to Disagree
How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?
Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.
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European cities and nations tend to have less violent crime than the United States. Is government social welfare spending the magic bullet that explains this difference?
California Law Ends Road Widening Mandates
Housing developers will no longer be required to dedicate land to roadway widening, which could significantly reduce the cost of construction and support more housing units.
Norwalk to Lose State Funding After Shelter Ban
A California city will lose access to state housing funds after refusing to end a prohibition on new emergency shelters.
Will Voters Fund Transportation Measures in November?
An overview of key transportation-related ballot measures that will be decided in November’s election.
Using Sound to Revive Ecosystems and Enhance Biodiversity
This innovative approach leverages the power of sound to stimulate beneficial soil microbes, offering a novel and eco-friendly tool for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
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.
Placer County
Mayors' Institute on City Design
City of Sunnyvale
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Portland, ME
Baton Rouge Area Foundation