Monthly Archives: October 2021

What’s happening? I had no idea there were formalized agreements on private property rights and space. There are and they’re entitled, respectively, Treaty On Principles Governing The Activities Of States In The Exploration And Use Of Outer Space, Including The Moon And Other Celestial Bodies, aka the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 (OST) & the […]

What’s happening? Duluth, MN is adopting new policies for rentals: Short-term permits would be valid for 21 nights a year No cap on Short term permits Cap on stays, not to exceed 7 days Full-time vacation rental permits were capped at 60  Full time vacation rentals have no caps downtown & in the business districts […]

What’s happening? Maine has a ballot proposition on the right to food. Supporters say it ensures the right to grow vegetables and raise livestock in an era when corporatization threatens local ownership of the food supply. Opponents say it endangers animals and the food supply. Why is this important? The brainchild of this proposition is […]

What’s happening? The US Restaurant Association wrote to the U.S. Conference of Mayors that extending waivers for outdoor dining is necessary for the industry’s survival. Why is this important? Land Use. Sidewalks and Parking lots are what’s being utilized for outdoor dining. Plus, 2/3 of restaurants who applied received no funding from the Restaurant Revitalization […]

What’s happening? Telluride Colorado has 2 ballot propositions this fall. (1) limits the number of short term rentals to 400 and implement a lottery system for permits. (2) cap and freeze licenses for two years and double short-term rental business license fees. Why is this important? Tourist towns are grappling with a lack of affordable […]

What’s happening? Winter Park is participating in “Short-Term Fix” (winter Park) that offers homeowners up to $20,000 for converting their Winter Park vacation homes to housing for locals. Breckenridge is participating in  “Lease to Locals” offers short-term rental owners up to $27,000 if they ink a year-long lease with local workers. Why is this important? […]

What’s happening? Gallup released polling about whether American like their 3 branches of government. Surprise! not so much. 43% like the President. 27% like Congress. 2/5 like the Supreme Court. Why is this important? When the Supreme Court issued its Kelo decision on Eminent Domain in 2005, its approval tanked to the low level it […]

What is happening? The Texas Supreme Court has granted a re-hearing to determine whether a high speed rial project in texas qualifies to use the power of eminent domain. Why is this important? Oral arguments are set to take place on Jan. 11, 2022. The trial court said no eminent domain. The appeals court said […]

What’s happening? California is building the world’s largest wildlife bridge over the 101. Why is this important? The 200-foot-long, 165-foot-wide wildlife bridge will provide passage for a nearly extinct mountain lion. How will this be important? The project is large ins cope and will be a partnership involving Caltrans and the National Wildlife Federation, which […]

What is happening? Fredericksburg Texas wants to limit short term rentals, which officials say account for 30% of the properties in the historic district. Why is this important? The hot topic: current city requirements are for only 1 parking space, but some large homes sleep 16 people. Lot of cars, small town. How will this […]