Monthly Archives: June 2022

What is happening? Denver, Co passed a gun ordinance that Republican Douglas County Commissioner doesn’t like so the County is proposing to use eminent domain to seize Daniels Park, a nearly 1,000-acre open space near Castle Pines, that is maintained by the Denver Parks and Recreation. Why is this important? Different levels of government can use […]

What is happening? Alaska has labor shortages. To address this Alaska employers are building housing for its employees. Why is this important? Employees have a difficult finding housing in Alaska’s tight real estate and rental market. How will this be important? Alaska isn’t alone. Colorado employers in resort towns are doing this too. Governing | […]

What is happening? Portland Maine is urging the State of Maine to create a statewide homeless, unhoused, Taskforce. They Taskforce would include elected officials and staff from local, state and federal government, non-governmental organizations, members of the legal community, real estate developers and others. Why is this important? Homelessness is a statewide issue. How will […]

What is happening? Massachusetts Senate passed S2030 (2022 | MA) that creates a 5 year moratorium on building new jails. The bill was added to a government infrastructure bill. Why is this important? Supporters say it is fiscally beneficial, and supports alternative rehabilitation programs. How will this be important? The state has a goal of […]

What is happening? Grass roots group in Corsicana Texas do not want a bitcoin miner in their backyard. They are concerned about their already frail infrastructure and a concern of increasing electricity costs supported by a UC Berkeley study and comments from the Texas Blockchain Council that no company can guarantee rates won’t increase. Why […]

What is happening? Tucson, AZ is considering building code changes to support EV adoption. Why is this important? The new EV building code would require : “Developments featuring retail stores, bars, food service, entertainment and personal and technical services with 100 or more parking spaces would be required to install EV charging stations providing service […]

What is happening? Permanent Land use rules in Oregon are expected to eliminate parking space requirements for the largest 8 cities. Why is this important? The goals of not requiring parking space minimums for homes and businesses are to address climate change, encouraging compact, climate-friendly communities, and “address severe housing shortages by making it easier, […]

What is happening? Studios are back, baby! As in studio apartments, single room occupancy (SRO) spaces. Why is this important? Some see SROs as a way back to affordable living. There are SROs that are so small that a normal height person can stand and touch 2 opposing walls. How will this be important? Philadelphia […]

What is happening? Ohio is looking to improve compensation and access to inverse condemnation claims. HB 698 (2022 | OH) Why is this important? The bill penalizes coercive action by a condemning entity and awards attorney fees to land owners. How will this be important? The bill waives sovereign immunity. Bye bye to bully tactics? […]

What is happening? Researchers at Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University say 15 housing markets are overvalued by at least 50%. Boise, Idaho — 72.6%Austin, Texas —  67.70%Ogden, Utah — 64.73%Las Vegas —  61.48%Atlanta — 58.01%Phoenix — 57.94%Provo, Utah — 57.02%Fort Myers, Florida — 56.26%Spokane, Washington — 56.25%Charlotte —  55.25%Lakeland, Florida — 53.22%Tampa — 52.41%Raleigh, North Carolina — 51.70%Detroit — 51.16% Why is this important? Increasing interest rates and […]