Category Archives: Uncategorized

What is happening? The federal government is launching a $1Billion initiative to reconnect neighborhoods that were divided by infrastructure like roads, train lines and bridges. Why is this important? We’ve talked about how historic infrastructure decisions displaced Black and Brown communities and divided communities. For those of us in Austin, think of what I-35 did […]

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? […]