Maine trails only three states in total acreage of land protected by conservation. A new plan to end the property tax exemptions for nonprofits, however, could make that work much more difficult.
"A key provision in [Maine] Gov. Paul LePage’s state budget proposal could result in municipalities taxing conservation lands owned by private land trusts across the state," reports Kevin Miller and Steve Mistler.
According to the article, the proposal "would eliminate the full property tax exemption for nonprofit organizations that own property in a locality with an assessed value of $500,000 or more."
The article includes quotes from leaders of organizations like the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and the Trust for Public Land, who express understandable concern that Maine's tradition of land conservation will be put at risk by the new tax scheme.
Read the full story: Plan to tax nonprofits could be costly to Maine’s land-conservation trusts
Yosemite Meadow Undergoing Major Restoration
Rangeland recently acquired from private owners is being restored to a more natural state thanks to a purchase by the Trust for Public Land.
$2 Million Gift to Help Preserve 1,000 Acres of Forest in Connecticut
The Trust for Public land scored a major funding victory in an effort to save 1,000 acres of forest known as The Preserve in Connecticut.
Opportunity Arises to Revise California's Prop 13
Proposition 13 has long been associated with California's budget woes and "fiscalization of land use" policies. Meant to apply primarily to residential property, commercial property owners have benefited more. 'Split role' could correct the problem.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
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.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello