Home Construction Industry Needs Workers

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 Recession of 2008.” States have addressed the issue with more workforce development and apprentice programs effectuated through legislation, executive orders, and grant programs.

Governing | To Build More Homes, the U.S. First Needs More Workers

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 Texas, have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the 9th circuit decision.

Route Fifty | Can cities clear homeless camps without offering an alternative?

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 Seattle and other cities are getting creative

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