Members of Congress are mobilizing to protect the popular New Market Tax Credit program, which has offered benefits in rural and urban environments.
"Facing an impending tax overhaul from the Trump administration, members of the House and Senate have moved to protect a program that gives tax credits to businesses that create jobs and other economy boosters in low-income communities," reports Kelsey E. Thomas.
Thomas is referring to the U.S. Treasury’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, "which targets poor zip codes both urban and rural, has gained bipartisan support and many friends in both the urban development and business worlds since its implementation in 2000." Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced the two bills, called the "New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2017" [pdf]. The bills would make the program permanent.
Thomas provides additional insight onto the prevailing political winds facing the New Market Tax Credits, with evidence provided by statements from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin during his confirmation hearing.
FULL STORY: Congress Is Making a Bipartisan Push for an Urban Development Tax Credit

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

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

Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
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Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.

High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.

Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
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