Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What did Massachusetts vigors approve on the 2020 ballot? An expanded right to repair law that gives more repair people access to car data. It was the most expensive ballot proposition in the state’s history, clocking in at $43 Million. So what new data will be open by the new law? Starts on all 2022 […]

Where: Portland Maine What new restrictions were on the ballot for short term rentals? eliminate non-owner occupied short-term rentals increase the registration fee from $100 to $1,000 per unit 52% of voters disapproved of the proposal. Portland Herald Press via Governing | Maine Voters Raise Minimum Wage and Approve Rent Control

Where: Michigan What: Michigan Proposition 2 would apply constitutional property protections to individual’s electronic data requiring a search warrant as much as a search of an individual’s home or property. Passage? 88.8% Said yes property rights apply to your data Detroit News | Michigan voters face proposals on public land funds, protecting electronic data

Where: Virginia What: Virginia Department of Transportation Offers to Use eminent domain to take land it needed that had a large confederate flag that is seen on the nearby highway How: VDOT offered to remove the flag or allow the group that flies the flag to remove it. The group removed the flag. After citizen […]

Where: Denver What: November’s election overturned a long standing ban against pit bulls in Denver. Approval rate: 2 to 1 What do studies say about breed specific bans? Costly. Denver’s has cost $5.8 million to enforce since 1989 Ineffective. Do not reduce dog bites Route 50 | For Decades, Denver Outlawed Pit Bulls. Voters Just […]

How are states handling shoring up their restaurant industry? Congress: Heroes Act includes $120 billion for a fund to help revitalize independent restaurants and bars Innovation: Ghost Kitchens. Restaurants that offer delivery and take out only but no dine in service District of Columbia B23-0942  permitted Streateries Louisiana: S72 (2020 | LA) 1 time refundable tax credit to […]

Where: Norway What? The Dokken Area of Bergen, Norway will be redeveloped as a zero emission zone Is the goal sustainability? NO. The goal is regenerative How do they look to attain a regenerative development area? nature based solutions  sourcing products and building materials that capture emissions, and even incorporate emissions into the finished product Fast […]

Helsinki found a ROI and savings in spending when it provided homeless population housing and stipends. Now, a non profit in Vancouver, Foundations for Social Change awarded a group of homeless people a cash payment of $7500 each. This is what they learned:  70% became food secure after a month 52% of the cash on […]

We’re about to find out if local governments can relocate homeless during a pandemic as the cities of Denver and Minneapolis over homeless relocations. The issues: violated their constitutional rights loss of property, including tents, medication, and personal documents Route Fifty | Cities Sued for Sweeping Homeless Encampments During the Pandemic

Missouri Legislature has repeatedly worked to limit the se of eminent domain by privately owned transmission lines, when the line does not provide power to those in Missouri. It is an ongoing issue in state legislative races. The focus: Private companies using eminent domain. News Press Now | Three solid choices for state rep