Three Massachusetts towns are looking to kill a 3% property tax that has been funding open space purchases, historic restoration, and affordable housing construction.
"Under the Community Preservation Act, a surcharge of up to 3 percent is added to annual real estate tax bills. Participating towns then get a match from the state for the contributions.
But some residents in the three towns are saying this money should remain in the pockets of taxpayers during tough financial times, or should be used to bolster community infrastructure.
At Duxbury's Annual Town Meeting Saturday, voters will consider whether to lower the surcharge from the current 3 percent - the highest allowed under the act - to 0.25 percent.
James Sullivan, the article's author, said the town has too many high priorities to continue with "low priority" CPA-funded projects. The town desperately needs a new police station and a school roof, renovation of the fire station, and some repairs to the municipal pool, said Sullivan. Those projects would be paid for through temporary tax increases."
FULL STORY: Towns may cut property tax surcharge

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.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie