APA's bi-weekly update on legislative and public policy issues of interest to planners.
This week's issue includes: House Committee Restores Funding for Urban Parks; Community Character Act UpdateBipartisan Letter Calls for Increased Ag Conservation Funding; and House Subcommittee to Examine American Community Survey. "The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved its version of a spending bill for FY02. In contrast to recent years, the vote was bipartisan and free of controversial amendments. Much of the early consensus was based on the fact that the bill represents an $800 million increase over the Bush Administration request. Overall, the $18.9 billion spending measure provides an $88 million increase from the current year."
Thanks to Jason Jordan
FULL STORY: From Washington

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.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

LA Denies Basic Services to Unhoused Residents
The city has repeatedly failed to respond to requests for trash pickup at encampment sites, and eliminated a program that provided mobile showers and toilets.
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