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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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
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City of Laramie