The state legislature is moving to place explicit limits on local government's power to take private land in response to the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo ruling.
"Three bills are working their way through the Montana Legislature that would limit the circumstances under which government can take private property under eminent domain.
The bills, inspired by the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo ruling, have found widespread support in an otherwise divisive session.
"I'm touchy about government overreaching its authority, and to take someone else's land because someone else will pay more taxes (on it) on it is a heinous reason," Sen. Jim Elliott, D-Trout Creek, said earlier in the session.
The U.S. Supreme Court in 2005's Kelo v. City of New London upheld a Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that determined such "takings" were legal. In the case, Susette Kelo's home stood in good shape but city officials condemned it to allow the transnational drug company Pfizer to build a research branch, which the city said would boost the local economy.
Montana courts have tended to favor private landholders in cases involving eminent domain, but the senators say their bills are necessary regardless."
FULL STORY: Montana Lawmakers Consider Narrowing Eminent Domain
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.