With some construction projects behind schedule, municipal governments are asking the Harper government to extend their "spend-it-or-lose-it" deadline of March 31 2011.
A report from the parliamentary budget office has raised the possibility that the full allotment of stimulus monies intended for municipal infrastructure may not have been spent by the deadline imposed by the federal government, which could leave projects half-built and the financial responsibility of other levels of government.
"Canadian cities are calling on Ottawa to extend its deadline for some stimulus projects in response to a report showing up to half a billion dollars of infrastructure funds could go unspent, or dropped on municipalities' laps. When Ottawa cuts off its funding on March 31, 2011, the worst-case scenario is that $500.5-million in federal money will not have been claimed because of the delays...the situation is particularly acute in Saskatchewan, where heavy rains this spring and summer stalled work.
But Prime Minister Stephen Harper said it was premature to speculate about whether the clock will run out on some projects, saying all federal work is on time and he believes a vast majority of municipal projects will also be completed."
FULL STORY: Extend deadline for stimulus: cities

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?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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