Lines between public and private blur as Flats East Bank takes on the mantle of a special tax district. If the measure goes through to completion, revenue will be used to fund public improvements.

An upscale riverfront property encompassing apartments, restaurants, offices, and a hotel, Flats East Bank symbolizes Cleveland’s rejuvenating downtown. Leila Atassi reports on the City’s Council’s decision to let the developers (The Wolstein Group and Fairmount Properties) tax future patrons. The decision faces a continued state review process.
To dispel council members’ concerns, Adam Fishman of Fairmount maintained that “the money will be spent on improvements to public spaces, such as roads, sidewalks, landscaping, public parking, parks, utility infrastructure, bike paths and a public boardwalk, as well as security in the district […]. It cannot, however, be spent on improving buildings owned by the developer.”
The fees in question would primarily affect visitors, and include sales, bed, and parking taxes over and above what the city levies. A committee of Flats East Bank residents and business owners will determine allocation. The article provides background on the fraught politicking that accompanied the decision.
FULL STORY: Cleveland City Council authorizes Flats East Bank developer to tax patrons to pay for improvements

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
An analysis of hospital visit records provided a more accurate count than the annual point-in-time count used by most agencies.

Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions