As recession-reduced property tax levels begin to play out in cities across the U.S., municipalities are beginning to react to the realities of lowered revenues.
Local governments are expected to see shortfalls of about $83 billion, according to this column from Neal Peirce.
"Will "higher" governments help out? Not likely right now. Washington will be focused on deficit trimming. States have their own budget nightmares. And then there's raw partisanship. Republicans made net gains of six governorships and some 680 legislative seats in the mid-elections; even if commiserate with cities, they'll fear Tea Party retribution if they lift a finger to help.
If there's any good news, says Chris Hoene, the National League of Cities' fiscal guru, it's that actual city bankruptcies remain rare, that over 90 percent of localities are balancing their budgets - so far. And that while some mayors see massive layoffs coming, others say they're using this moment to clean up inefficient bureaucracies."
FULL STORY: Cities’ Fiscal Nightmares: What’s Next?
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.
San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.
Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.
Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
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.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions