Monthly Archives: January 2022

What is happening? Samsung announced a $17B plant in Williamson County, TX, 34 miles north of Austin. The plant includes $981 million in incentives. Why is this important? Before construction begins, the land on which the future plant sits is being annexed by the City of Taylor. How will this be important? Annexation and zoning […]

What’s happening? Flipping the script from the usual modus operandi, an oil and gas association in California called the LA ban on drilling an unjust taking of property without compensation. Why is this important? Other local governmental entities will follow suit as the issue is also linked to health issues in BIPOC communities which are […]

What’s happening? A “first of its kind” research study with data available at Connecticut Zoning Atlas to show what zoning changes mean on a lot by lot basis. This isn’t survey information. The information is the actual impact to lots after zoning rules are enacted. Why is this important? The impact to multi family housing […]

What’s happening? Eminent Domain reform is a perennial issue in Iowa. This year is special there are ghost of new carbon capture pipelines being built which some say led to legislators hitting the pause button on eminent domain reform. Why is this important? Let’s look at how they are talking about it. Here we go: […]

What is happening? Santa Monica, California is trying to correct for policies in the 1950s and 1960s that led to “the destruction of black and Latino communities via eminent domain to build the 10 freeway, “ Why is this important? Local Governments are looking for ways to correct past acts that impacted the housing and communities. […]

What is happening? A debate in Iowa is revealing a call by some Republicans to establish different eminent domain standards for projects that move something through the state and for projects that directly impact the state. The goals seems to make projects like a pipeline or transmission line that moves on through would have a […]

What is happening? Corpus Christi Texas is following San Antonio and Galveston to regulate short term rentals. Why is this important? The policy makers say it will protect private property rights by establishing a regulatory framework, including a limited registration fee of $50. How will this be important? The Legislature in Texas has the reputation […]

What is happening? Property right advocates say that property owners should also be compensated for subjective value such as how long the property has been owned, ties to the community, emotional connections…the subjective value of the property. Why is this important? The subjective ties are the same for all owners whether the property is a […]

What is happening? A mechanic in Pasadena, TX wants to open his own shop. The City of Pasadena says that while another mechanic had a shop in the same space with only 5 parking spaces, the new mechanic will need 28 parking spaces. Why is this important? Welcome, private property advocates who are challenging the […]

What is happening? In the ongoing litigation for whether a high speed rail project in Texas has the power of eminent domain, the State Attorney General Office offered an argument to the Texas Supreme Court that sides with landowners and the rules of grammar. The AG office says ““The rules of grammar confirm that the […]