In Chicago, which has seen closures by retailers like Sears, Macy's, and others, Mayor Emanuel is offering some relief in the form of grants.

"Rahm Emanuel has earmarked $16 million in special tax money to try to jump-start the fortunes of struggling shopping areas in eight neighborhoods on the South, Southwest and West sides, the city announced Tuesday," reports John Byrne in the Chicago Tribune. These funds are available for entrepreneurs looking to rehab buildings and to chambers of commerce who intend to build infrastructures and add amenities like lighting in neighborhoods like: Austin, Chatham, and Englewood.
Emanuel frequently faces critics that claim he cares more about the city's bustling downtown than the city's struggling areas. "Black and Latino aldermen have long complained about a lack of attention and money from the city to keep up their once-bustling local shopping districts," Byrne writes. This project funded with tax increment financing (TIF) money (often characterized as the mayor's slush fund) may give the administration a way to combat that claim.
FULL STORY: Emanuel sets new retail grant program for struggling shopping areas

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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