Since the dissolution of California's redevelopment agencies, the state has been fine-tuning a new and improved economic development tool: Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts.

Like redevelopment agencies, Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) capture tax increment. But unlike the CRA, they only get contributions from agencies that agree to join up and create an infrastructure-financing plan. In other words: They have to cooperate.
To expert Larry Kosmont, this design marks a shift in California toward a new model of economic development. He tells The Planning Report:
The shift is to an “Economic Development 2.0” model, which is about sustainability, infrastructure, resource management, and interagency cooperation, as opposed to sales tax, retail, and a “one outfit does it all” mentality.
Lawmakers also gave EIFDs new flexibility to combine a variety of funding sources. That opens the door to pursuing multiple benefits; for instance, an EIFD could be eligible for funds from California's cap-and-trade auctions—provided the projects outlined in its plan fulfilled state sustainability goals.
For now, Kosmont notes, early adopters of the EIFD structure tend to be in suburban communities, where often, fewer entities can work together to cover more area. But he predicts the tool will evolve to urban infill, for which it was arguably intended. Already, Los Angeles has considered creating one around the LA River.
FULL STORY: Kosmont: EIFDs Are A New Local ‘Economic Development 2.0' Tool

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)