The Association of General Contractors of America says there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers. The national Associated Builders and Contractors say the industry has had a shortage of workers since before the pandemic. The problem isn’t new, the “U.S. construction industry lost nearly 30 percent of its workforce during the Great […]
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Building Codes + Gas Bans
Chicago is on pace to be the 1st Midwestern city to ban gas in new buildings. The mayor noted it was an opportunity to build a new economy around the amended building codes. Route Fifty | Chicago could be first major Midwestern city to ban gas in new construction
U.S. Supreme Court & local homeless policies
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear Johnson v. Grants Pass, Oregon that asks whether cities remove homeless encampments without an alternative for the homeless. The case is on appeal from the 9th Circuit which has ruled in several cases that preventing homeless encampments can be cruel and unusual. 20 state Attorneys General, including […]
no eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines
Illinois is pursuing legislation to prevent the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines due to safety concerns. mistateline.com | Illinois bill would prevent companies from using eminent domain for CO2 pipelines
expanding eminent domain use in Utah
Utah legislators are considering HB 235 (2024 | UT) that would give eminent domain authority to a popular recreational trail for its expansion. Utah news Dispatch | Should the Wasatch Front’s premier multi-use trail have eminent domain rights?
foreign ownership bans near critical infrastructure
Florida has banned foreign land ownership near critical infrastructure. This includes military bases and airports. Governing | The Biggest Issues to Watch in 2024
$1000 fines for stopping + instagramming
People who stop on pedestrian bridges, or the staircases, to take photos may be fined $1000 or face 6 months in jail. AP | Think twice before stopping to take photo on a Las Vegas Strip pedestrian bridge, or risk jail time
affordable housing for teachers
The school district in Eagle County, Colorado is building affordable houses so their teachers can afford to buy homes. A report from the National Education Association supports housing assistance as a means of attracting teachers. Route Fifty | Teachers can’t afford housing, so school districts are building homes
9th Circuit rejects building code gas bans
Seattle and Berkeley are rethinking their building code bans on natural gas after the 9th Circuit struck down Berkeley’s natural gas ban. There’s a pending rehearing before 11 judges of the 9th Circuit, but the initial ruing has given pause to other natural gas bans. Route Fifty | A court struck down local gas bans—so […]
formula for Salt Lake City’s thriving downtown
The ingredients that are allowing Salt Lake City’s thriving downtown? Cultural amenities, residential offerings, and tourism. What is Salt Lake not relying on? office workers. A study found that its working because Salt Lake City had the strongest downtown economic recovery in the US. Governing | How Salt Lake Succeeded in Keeping Its Downtown Busy