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

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

Opinion: Transit Agencies Must View Service Cuts as Last Resort
Reducing service could cripple transit systems by pushing more riders to consider car ownership, making future recovery even less certain.
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
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service