Amid a flurry of subsidies in other states offered to companies like Microsoft and Yahoo!, Google plans to open a $600 million data center in Lenoir, North Carolina, population 17,000. The city will offer a generous tax break and a state grant.
"Both Google and Microsoft received generous subsidies from state and local governments. According to the Charlotte Observer, city officials in Lenoir agreed to waive 100 percent of Google's business property taxes and 80 percent of its real estate taxes for three decades. Lenoir is a city of about 17,000 about 70 miles northwest of Charlotte.
'This company will provide hundreds of good-paying, knowledge-based jobs that North Carolina's citizens want,'' North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley said in a statement. The governor said jobs at Google are expected to pay $48,300, much more than the county's average yearly wage of $27,300."
Thanks to California Association for Local Economic Development
FULL STORY: Google wins subsidies to build N.C. server farm
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity
Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.
Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline
Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.
Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free
Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.
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.
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
Skagit Transit
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners