A battle is raging in rural Illinois over a proposed multi-county water authority that would control the use and tax of water within the heavily farmed region. Many farmers fear a loss of control, and developers anticipate more restrictions.
"The dispute is about whether a referendum should be held April 17 to form a sprawling new water authority that would issue water permits to residential, commercial and some other users. It also would have the power to levy taxes."
"At least three groups have hired lawyers to argue against the agency. Farmers fear loss of control over their land, while developers don't want to deal with another level of bureaucracy. The same goes for some municipalities, officials say."
"Supporters say it would protect the natural resources and isn't meant to stop development."
FULL STORY: Rural battle: Who should control water?
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
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Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
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.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research