Neal Pierce writes about the "obesity epidemic" in the U.S. and points out the obstacles facing solutions based on Smart Growth, more sidewalks, and reduced dependence on cars.
"If the case is made to get people out of their cars, walking and biking a great deal more, the natural adversary is the auto industry's romanticization of car riding as sexy, exhilarating, luxurious. Or talk about smart growth--more compact, walkable and bikable communities, with parks, neighborhood shops, smaller community schools within easy reach. Then the adversaries range from builders of standard spread-out subdivisions to regional mall owners, from the asphalt lobbies to advocates of region-wide mega-schools."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: How To Combat Our Obesity Epidemic?

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

San Francisco Announces Plan to Overhaul Homelessness Strategy
Mayor Lurie’s three-phase plan promises 1,500 new shelter beds and a restructuring of outreach teams and supportive service programs.

$5 Billion Rental Assistance Fund Set to Run Out of Cash
“No additional funding from HUD will be forthcoming,” HUD announces.

Denver Could Eliminate Parking Requirements
The city could remove parking mandates citywide to reduce the cost of housing construction and ease permitting for new projects.
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