Big lenders are complaining that these mortgage giants, created by the government to encourage home ownership, have overstepped their roles.
"In recent weeks, the likes of Wells Fargo & Co., American International Group Inc. and General Electric Co.'s GE Capital unit have amplified longstanding complaints about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Started decades ago by the federal government to make the mortgage market run more smoothly, Fannie and Freddie buy mortgages from lenders and package loans for sale to institutional investors. But Wells Fargo, AIG and GE Capital say that, contrary to their innocuous names, Fannie and Freddie are improperly expanding beyond their original purpose and using bullying tactics to stifle criticism." Concerns are raised over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's use of new technologies, which have made them more efficient.
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: Why Big Lenders Are So Afraid Of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont