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.
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.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie