Facing possible dissolution, redevelopment agencies in California have gone on a bond-spree in the early months of 2011.
Municipal redevelopment agencies have sold almost $700 million in bonds so far this year, which is more than half of the amount of bonds issued in all of 2010, according to a new report from the state.
"The rush to market comes as the Legislature considers Brown's plan to eliminate the state's 400 redevelopment agencies and send much of the $5 billion a year in property taxes the agencies control to counties, schools and the state.
City officials have responded with fury, saying the plan will starve local economic development, halt affordable housing programs and cost jobs."
FULL STORY: Cities issue a flood of bonds in the face of proposed state money-grab
Affordable Housing Bond Nixed From the California Ballot
Supporters of the proposed bond say the measure will have more success in the future.
Opinion: California Should Invest In Housing, Not Dubious Desalination Projects
A controversial desalination plant in Orange County could receive massive state subsidies, but advocates argue the money would be better spent on affordable housing projects to relieve the state's housing crisis.
Detroit-Area I-275 Project Set to Start Work in July
MDOT will begin to repair and modernize a 24-mile segment of Interstate 275 this summer.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)