Agricultural land is vanishing fast in this western Michigan county as new homes, roads, and sprawl reach farther into the countryside.
Approximately 32 percent of Kent County's 547,840 acres is used foragriculture. But it's vanishing fast in this western Michigan county asnew homes, stores, roads, and sprawl reach ever farther into thecountryside. Now Kent County officials are proposing a plan to protect93,000 acres over the next decade, one of the most ambitious farmlandprotection programs in the nation. If the proposed plan provessuccessful,reports the Institute's Andy Guy, it will preserve approximately 17percent for crops and livestock. But a vigorous opposition campaign isunderway.
Thanks to Keith Schneider
FULL STORY: In Kent County, Stirring A Plan To Protect Farmland

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

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
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Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk
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How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’
The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places
Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.
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