In California, passage of Proposition 26 has raised the question of whether fees used for public services will be jeopardized at the local level. Some argue most fees will be unaffected, but others could take a hit.
"But veteran municipal lawyer Michael G. Colantuono said the proposition is likely to bring significant change in a handful of cases.
Colantuono, part of a League of California Cities task force analyzing Proposition 26, said the measure could affect fees charged by public power utilities, park districts and business improvement districts, to name a few.
Most at risk: fees collected and spent in a way that does not directly benefit only those who pay."
Discounts and other subsidies previously offered through power utilities, for example, could be cut.
Read the full story: Tax or fee? Local governments hash out the consequences of Prop. 26
Taxpayer Group's Lawsuit Could Repeal Toll Hike on Bay Area Bridges
A California taxpayers association has challenged the June passage of a regional ballot measure because it didn't receive two-thirds support from voters, although two prior voter-approved bridge toll increases also fell short of a super-majority.
Santa Fe Collects First Payments From Tax on Million-Dollar Homes
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Well Intended Housing Tax Could Wreak Havoc in L.A.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
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Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
Currently, major summer and fall festivals take over public parks for weeks at a time, drawing criticism from nearby residents
NYC votes to cut outdoor dining red tape, speed up permitting
New York City also voted to allow the Department of Transportation to begin work on urgent projects before notifying elected officials.
California appears to reject Prop. 45
The proposition would have expanded the projects that qualify for a streamlined environmental review, effectively paring down the California Environmental Quality Act.
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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One Hundred Miles
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