Private Activity Bonds

Multistory building under construction with large crane against sunset sky.

Commentary: Federal Tax Credits Could Boost Affordable Housing Production

A pair of bills coming before Congress would impact the ability of states to finance affordable housing construction and preservation.

February 2, 2024 - Route Fifty

Toll Road Truck

Praise for the Trump Infrastructure Plan

While there has been no lack of criticism (some might say condemnation) of the $200 billion investment that aims to generate an additional $1.3 trillion, some individuals and groups have stepped forward to praise the plan, or at least parts of it.

February 14, 2018 - DC Velocity

Trump Administration

Draft of the Trump Infrastructure Planned Leaked

For those who have spent the last year or so waiting on the edge of their seats in speculation about the contents of President Trump's promised infrastructure plan, there is finally some indication of what the future holds.

January 22, 2018 - Axios

HUD's New York Leader Suggests Privatizing Public Housing

In The Real Deal, HUD administrator Lynne Patton hints at a 10-point plan for New York and New Jersey.

December 11, 2017 - The Real Deal

Seattle Mixed Use Development

Editorial: Congress Should Extend, Not End, Tax Exempt Bonds for Affordable Housing

The Seattle Times says there could be no worse time than right now to repeal tax exempt bonds that help finance affordable housing.

November 24, 2017 - The Seattle Times

Freeway Construction

GOP Tax Plan Eliminates Critical Infrastructure-Funding Bond Program

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act would have a deleterious effect on major infrastructure proposed by the private sector. The loss of Private Activity Bonds would hike borrowing rates for road, transit, stadium, and even affordable housing projects.

November 9, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

High-Speed Rail

High-Speed Rail: What's Good for Texas Is Good for California

It's becoming clear that Texas will beat California to having the first all high-speed train on the continent. Ethan Elkind suggests three ways that success for Texas Central's Dallas-to-Houston line will benefit the struggling California project.

September 12, 2016 - Ethan Elkind

Texas Rail

Texans Against High-Speed Rail Begin to Flex Legal Muscle

Opposition to the Dallas-to-Houston private Texas Central high-speed rail line has gotten more serious with the creation of a defense fund to assist property owners in protecting their property rights. Texas Central plans to break ground next year.

July 8, 2016 - Your Houston News

$1.75 Billion Bond Sale Delayed for All Aboard Florida

High-yield funds have less money to spend these days, leaving large infrastructure projects like the All Aboard Florida high-speed rail project waiting at the station.

November 13, 2015 - Bloomberg Business

All Aboard Florida Receives Crucial State Backing for $1.75 Billion Loan

The Florida Development Finance Commission voted 3-0 at a contentious meeting to approve the 125 mph, Orlando-Miami privately funded train's request for tax-exempt status. It does not put the state at risk in terms of repaying the loan though.

August 7, 2015 - Orlando Sentinel

Texas Central High-Speed Railway Reaches Funding Milestone

The Dallas-to-Houston project will be the first operating high speed rail line in the United States when it opens in 2021. The project received $75 million in private funding, allowing planning for the project to advance.

July 26, 2015 - Houston Chronicle

Florida High Speed Rail to Remain Privately Funded

Apparently some in Florida were uncomfortable with the much touted "privately funded railroad" using a $1.6 billion Federal Railroad Administration loan, so All Aboard Florida applied for tax exempt bonds to supplement or replace the loan.

December 24, 2014 - The Palm Beach Post

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.