Anthony Flint reports on the actions of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative lobbying group that is working behind the scenes to weaken the power of local zoning restrictions.
Flint details a couple of examples whereby ALEC is attempting to insert language into bills that would undermine the power of local governments and planning departments to make restrictions on land use.
Writes Flint: "From a tactical point of view, the breadth and diversity of the assault on planning is impressive. All it would take is one state to pass the same language in the economic development bill in Massachusetts, or the rural counties model legislation, and ALEC and like-minded advocates would have themselves a high-profile test case, not to mention a full employment act for lawyers."
Flint also points to the Center for Public Integrity's website for more information on ALEC's activities.
FULL STORY: The Secret Conservative War on Zoning
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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.
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