Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What is happening? North Carolina Legislature is moving HB271 (2021 | NC) that will eliminate public benefit from eminent domain considerations in the state. Why is this important? North Carolina is looking to make the change statutorily and constitutionally. Numbers and data on eminent domain support coming your way after that election. How will this […]

What is happening? Plano, TX city council declined an initiative petition that sought to limit eminent domain in the city. The petition was declined because the signatories could not be verified or did not provide information for verification. Why is this important? Looking for an eminent domain ban? Look to your local officials. How will […]

What is happening? The new economy has increased use of delivery services, ridesharing and micromobility. All of which make curb space more valuable. Why is this important? Cities are using curbside kiosks to collect video data, auto type and license plate information to time how long the vehicle stays at the curb. Aspen is using […]

What’s happening? LD 1377 (2021 | ME) would generate revenue to develop affordable housing, provide property tax relief & encourage more units to be used as permanent housing Why is this important? Maine is pretty much following what D.C. did with some added help for low and middle income households How will this be important? […]

What’s happening? The Iowa Legislature is considering another “AG Gag” bill. HF 755 (2020 | IA) would make knowingly entering private property without the owner’s consent and taking soil and water samples or samples of an animal’s bodily fluids or other animal products would become an aggravated misdemeanor on the first offense. Same penalties for […]

What’s happening? A court in North Dakota determined that just compensation in the taking of property by eminent domain can include a review of similar sales. Why is this important? Determining just compensation is a hot topic. How will this be important? There’s always a lot of talk about market value, introducing evidence of similar […]

What’s happening? California Real Estate Developer Rick Caruso will be accepting bitcoin as a method of payment. 1% of Caruso Properties’ treasury is in bitcoin after an investment in Gemini, a cryptocurrency. Why is this important? A growing list of payments may be made by cryptocurrency some taxing entities accept crypto currency, some political campaigns […]

What is happening? California is considering SB 555 that would create a statewide collection system for short term rental taxes directly from the short term rental platforms. SB 555 (2021 | CA) Why is this important? This bill does not prohibit local agencies who want to continue with their own Voluntary Collection Agreements and allows […]

What’s happening? Montana is considering legislation to prevent agricultural land from being sold to a non-profit. HB 677 (2021 | MT) Seem unusual? Well, it is allegedly aimed at stopping the American Prairie Reserve from acquiring land. The bill excepts all other nonprofits except land trusts, public lands and conservation organizations. Why is this important? […]

What’s happening? North Carolina legislature has passed with bipartisan support an eminent domain bill HB271 (2021 | NC) that fortifies public use requirement, require just compensation be determined by a a jury, and requires voter approval to add these requirements to the NC Constitution. Why is this important? NC legislators want to eliminate “public benefit” […]