Officials and residents in Snohomish County, Washington, are grappling over proposed changes to their comprehensive plan. A major point of contention is whether "fully contained communities" should be allowed.
"The state Growth Management Act generally requires urban-density development to be channeled into the urban-growth areas designated around existing cities."
"But the law also allows counties to approve huge developments, called 'fully contained communities,' where in theory residents would live, work, shop and play without significantly affecting the surrounding areas."
"Next year, the council will consider changes to its comprehensive plan, and Somers wants to permanently nix the communities."
"If he retains the support of Sullivan and Cooper, the Lake Roesiger debate could be moot."
"That would please the Puget Sound Regional Council's executive board. Three weeks ago, the board endorsed Vision 2040, a regional planning strategy that includes a new goal: Counties should avoid creating fully contained communities 'because of their potential to create sprawl and undermine state and regional growth-management goals.'"
FULL STORY: Mini-city plan could be turning point for Snohomish land-use policy

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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