The recession is causing San Francisco to tighten its belt. Budget cuts are falling heavily on the city's health and human services.
"To close a projected $438 million shortfall, Mayor Gavin Newsom – who is campaigning for the 2010 governor's race – has proposed a "target" of 25 percent cuts to all city departments, including large reductions to health and human service programs that, combined with deep midyear spending cuts, mean the closure of some popular antipoverty programs this July 1."
"While such belt-tightening is hardly unique to San Francisco, the cuts have many asking if this iconic "Left Coast" city has moved to the right of the federal government, which is spending nearly $1 trillion to revive the economy. San Francisco's reputation for benevolence was affirmed by a recent city controller's report, which found that the city far outstrips its California counterparts in per capita spending on public health and social services."
"The cuts run counter to 'what this city ought to be – a caring city, caring for the people who live in this city and caring for people who serve this city,' said Damita Davis-Howard, president of the Service Employees International Union's municipal workers local, at a recent City Hall protest of about 700 city workers. 'People are losing their houses, people are losing their savings, their retirement, and it's the services in San Francisco that help those people in crisis.'"
FULL STORY: Amid recession, is San Francisco losing its heart?

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.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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