Local Control
When Coastal States Kill Building Codes, FEMA Pays
Despite the increasing number and intensity of natural disasters, some vulnerable states are relaxing building regulations and leaving the federal government to pick up the tab when tragedy strikes again.
Tennessee Legislature Blocks Nashville's 2016 Inclusionary Zoning Policy
Republicans in the Tennessee State Legislature made sure Nashville will never know if its inclusionary zoning policy would have delivered affordable housing in the city.
'By-Right' Housing Law a Shot in the Arm for California Housing Developments
The effect of SB 35 on development projects in California might be more significant than YIMBYs have imagined, after a second project forges ahead confident in the support of state law for a large development.
National League of Cities to Study State Preemption of Local Laws
The mission of the National League of Cities is to advocate for cities—and the organization is now gathering evidence to push back on growing amount of state preemption of local control.
Feds Streamline Approvals for 5G Infrastructure
Most deployment of 5G "small cells" won't get any resistance from federal regulations.
More National Attention Focused on Controversial California Housing Bill
Conor Dougherty, a Bay Area-based New York Times economics reporter, and Brad Plumer, a Times climate reporter, team-up to tackle the controversy surrounding SB 827 that has hit a raw nerve with groups that purport to support the bill's goals.
Choices of Which Neighborhoods to Rezone Questioned in New York City
Questions of mayoral power verses council prerogative were the subject of conversation in New York earlier this month.
Bill Would Force Locals to Follow BART's Plans for Station-Adjacent Development
Another bill under consideration by the California State Legislature would take land use control away from local agencies near transit stations. In this case, the new authority would be regional.
Amendments Proposed for California's Landmark Pro-Housing Development Legislation
Amendments are circulating for one of the most-closely watched, and passionately debated, pieces of housing legislation in the country.
Detroit Approves Moratorium on New Marijuana Dispensaries
Michigan voters decided that the Detroit City Council shouldn't have as much power to limit marijuana in their city, so the Detroit City Council shut it all down.
New York State, Not New York City, to Decide Whether to Toll Streets in Manhattan
While the city determines where to place parking meters and how much to charge, when it comes to charging tolls to drive in Manhattan, the city's elected leaders are excluded from the political process.
A Pro-Housing Policy List of Your Wildest YIMBY Dreams
This list is a wishlist of the most ambitious possible YIMBY political platform.
How Anti-Urban State Legislatures Hurt Cities
Creating a new version of the "haves" and the "have nots," Richard Florida distinguishes cities struggling against state-level anti-urban policies from cities that get more support from the state.
Governor's Veto Gives Locals Control Over 5G Infrastructure in California
A bill designed to streamline the implementation of 5G Internet infrastructure onto public poles and lights has been vetoed by California Governor Jerry Brown.
Texas Bill Would Immunize Property Rights From Zoning Code Changes
The Texas Legislature and executive branch is continuing to wage a battle against local control, this time pursuing a land use law that would undermine zoning code changes, such as the current CodeNEXT process in Austin.
On California's Broken Housing Requirement System
Liam Dillon has written the exact article for anyone who has every rolled their eyes at the words "housing element" or Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
$2.5 Million is Too Much for a Teardown
Palo Alto has become so expensive, plots of land with derelict houses sell for millions of dollars. Mathew Yglesias argues allowing small municipalities to make their own zoning laws is partly to blame.
Texas State Legislator Targets Historic Preservation for Demolition
A bill under consideration in the Texas House of Representatives would tie the hands of preservationists, making it much easier for building owners to demolish or alter buildings without regard to historic significance.
Kotkin and Florida Team Up to Agree on Devolution
"Vive le difference!" reads the rallying cry if an article co-authored by Richard Florida and Joel Kotkin.
Legislation to Curb Local Laws Moving Forward in Oklahoma, Texas
The Oklahoma State Legislature is well on its way to passing Senate Bill 809, which would limit local power to regulate oil and gas drilling. In Texas, Senate Bill 343 would end "home rule" on many issues, fracking included.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
