Attorney Evan McKenzie explores the world of homeowners' associations and common interest developments, which he says are creating an unfortunate layer of private government over unsuspecting homeowners.
Doris S. Goldstein reviews McKenzie's new book, 
. She says that McKenzie is so strongly against these common interest developments (CIDs) that he appears to be against density on the whole:
"Rarely does McKenzie recognize that CIDs vary tremendously in size and responsibility, nor does he acknowledge that as the institution spread, CIDs encompassed large-lot communities -gated or not - that exacerbated the problem of sprawl."
"McKenzie sets up, and knocks down, several academic arguments for the proliferation of private governments, including neoclassical economics and libertarianism, both of which rely on consumers' free choice."
Read the full story: The real problem with community associations
California Caps HOA Fines at $100
Lawmakers say the new rule is a win for fairness and affordability for the 65% of the state’s homeowners governed by homeowners associations
Minnesota Senate Passes Bill Reining in HOAs
The bill would set a cap on HOA fines, require disclosure of conflicts of interest, and establish new rules for settling disputes.
New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power
The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.
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
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic place names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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