In an attempt to avoid new debt and decrease existing budget deficits, many cash-strapped cities and states are levying a host of new fees that don't provide exemption to nonprofits such as churches, schools, and charities.
The newest source of property tax revenue in your community could be your neighborhood church or local hospital. A sign of changing economic times, nonprofit organizations such as places of worship and charities are now being included in many state and local tax pools as governments struggle to find funds to fix crumbling infrastructure and maintain city services.
"Houston's taxpayers in November narrowly voted to adopt a 'drainage fee' to raise at least $125 million a year toward the cost of improving roads and storm-water systems. The city will charge fees to property owners, and it won't grant exceptions to churches, schools and charities."
"The city has been tightening its budget. 'We're cutting up the city's credit cards,' says Mayor Annise Parker. 'Everyone who contributes to drainage issues has to share in the cost of correcting those issues.'"
"At a group called the National Council of Nonprofits, Tim Delaney, chief executive, says, 'Governments are taking their public burdens and putting them on the backs of nonprofits, at a time when the demand for our services is skyrocketing.'"
FULL STORY: Strapped Cities Hit Nonprofits With Fees

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions