Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What’s happening? The District of Columbia passed an ordinance that will allow landlords to evict violent tenants but prohibit rent increases. Why is this important? D.C. is stepping back from its pandemic-related tenant protections  How will this be important? The standard DC adopts is key- whether a tenant poses a physical risk to others. Does […]

What’s happening? North Carolina is considering HB 271 (2021 |NC) that would re-define public use by eliminating public benefit from the calculus. Why is this important? its something property rights advocates have wanted for a long while, since at least 2005. Interestingly, the John Locke Foundation, thinks the bill could go even further. How will […]

What’s happening? ICON partnered with nonprofit Mobile Loaves and Fishes to create the anti-homelessness “village” in Austin, TX. Internationally, ICON partners with New Story, a U.S.-based nonprofit. Why is this important? This isn’t a one trick pony on one side of the political isle, ICON is also printing military barracks. Keep your eyes on them. […]

What’s happening? Evanston IL is set to be the first U.S. city to offer reparation money to Black residents whose families suffered lasting damage from policies that effectively banned Black residents from renting or owning store fronts. Residents can use funds toward their homes, home repairs and home improvements. Why is this important? Black Lives […]

What’s happening? The State of California is suing San Diego County for permitting development in areas that are prone to wildfires. At issue is the impact statements concerning the land development. Why is this important? This sounds very familiar to large urban area that had housing developments in areas deemed as flood plains and then […]

What’s happening? SB105 (2021 | AL) would prohibit the use of eminent domain to create green space. Why is this important? The issue in this bill is the perennial eminent domain issue- property owners want to feel good about the transaction. How will this be important? Until entities that use eminent domain start talking about […]

What’s happening? The Lt. Governor of Texas press release lists his legislative priorities included is SB 30 (2021 | TX) that would remove discriminatory provisions in deeds. Why is this important? More jurisdictions are addressing systemic historical racism. How will this be important? Black Lives Matter and COVID are putting more focus on cleaning up […]

What’s happening? A nonprofit in Portland salvages broken laptops, tablets and desktops, fixes them and provides them at low or no-cost to people who can’t afford new ones. Super important for the new work from home adaptation in COVID. Why is this important? The non profit had a hard time accessing repair parts and manuals […]

What’s happening? CT will be the 8th state to prohibit race-based hair discrimination in workplaces, schools and businesses open to the public. Why is this important? The Model Legislation, The CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act, is making the rounds through California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Colorado, Washington and […]

What’s happening? We’ve reached the point in the pandemic when the lawyers start talking because of a declaration that there is a constitutional right to be free from a private business’ mask policy. Why is this important? Not everything is a constitutional right. Feels silly to type, but a refresher on the Constitution might be […]