The dust is still settling from Kelo v. New London, a 2005 Supreme Court Case allowing for expansive powers of eminent domain. A book released this year chronicles the effects of the landmark court case.
Jared Meyer reviews a book released this year by Ilya Somin, called The Grasping Hand: Kelo v. City of New London and the Limits of Eminent Domain. Meyer says the book gives the controversial court case "the thorough review it deserves," but also that the book "shows why people of all political persuasions should care about eminent-domain abuse."
From a practical standpoint, the book also evaluates many of the state laws "passed in Kelo’s wake to curtail government abuse of eminent domain," according to Meyer. The review provides the historical context of the case and then examines the concepts at the heart of the court case, such as public use and individual liberties. Some of Donald Trump's part brushes with eminent domain even figure into the discussion.
One of Meyer's clear purposes is to share the book's deliberate recounting of eminent domain abuses in the wake of the court case, so expect a certain ideology from both.
FULL STORY: After Kelo, Governments Keep Nabbing Property
Dakota Access Pipeline Owners Win Eminent Domain Appeal in Iowa Supreme Court
The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that found that the Iowa Utilities Board was justified in giving the private owners of the Dakota Access Pipeline the use of eminent domain. Climate change was considered in the ruling.
Eminent Domain an Issue in Republican Presidential Primary, Again
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is using a new ad against GOP frontrunner Donald Trump, a billionaire real estate developer, based on his use of eminent domain against an elderly woman in Atlantic City. Trump strongly defended using the controversial tool.
Eminent Domain at Issue on Virginia's Ballot
A controversial Virginia ballot measure to limit eminent domain use has gone without much notice. Michael Rodriguez, a local transportation planner, argues against this measure.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service