Massachusetts Environmental Affairs Secretary finds itself in the untenable position of both a regulator and potential buyer for environmentally-sensitive lands.
"When state Environmental Affairs Secretary Robert Durand joined the campaign to buy thousands of acres of pristine cranberry uplands in Southeastern Massachusetts last year, it was part of a systematic policy of acquiring environmentally sensitive land to protect it from development... If Makepeace's land holdings were sold for conservation, it would be the largest such deal involving a single landowner in Massachusetts history. But the strategy of trying to control development through acquisition - while at the same time managing growth through regulation -- has been called into question by the conflict charges."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: State's dual role in preservation poses odd conflict

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.

Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

Can Progressive Planners Appeal to Conservative Principles?
Trump’s approach to policies like NYC’s congestion pricing isn’t just irrational and wasteful — it defies the tenets of conservatism. But there are ways to reframe the issues.

Oak Park Plans Earth Month Events
Join Oak Park, Illinois, for a series of Earth Month events highlighting the importance of community engagement and education, integrating sustainability into local plans, and planning for the most vulnerable, such as birds, bees and butterflies.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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