Government / Politics

Nighttime view of Cincinnati, Ohio skyline

Strength in Diversity: Crafting an Affordable Housing Coalition in Cincinnati

The city’s longtime champions of housing for low-income residents joined forces with an array of allies to establish a sustainable source of funding for affordable housing.

July 12, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

A orange-and-blue tent set up next to a tree in a paved courtyard and a cardboard box of posessions next to the tent entrance.

U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Camping Bans, but Challenges of Addressing Homelessness Remain

In Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court upheld an Oregon city’s ban on camping in public places, paving the way for similar bans in cities across the country but doing nothing to solve the cause of homelessness.

July 8, 2024 - Brian J. Connolly

Roadside "Fire Danger Extreme Today!" sign in Cleveland National Forest, California.

California Voters to Decide on Major Climate Funding in November

Californians will determine whether to approve a $10 billion bond for climate and environmental projects, which seeks to address critical issues such as wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, and protection of disadvantaged communities.

July 7, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Old residential buildings along canal with ornate church in background in Girona, Catalonia, Spain.

This Part of Spain Won Rent Regulations US Tenant Activists Can Only Dream of

In Spain, a new law makes rent control possible — and one region has implemented it. In Catalunya, a rent freeze and rental price index promise to help struggling tenants.

July 3, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Close-up of white sign with red FOR SALE letters and blurred brick single-family home in background.

High Housing Costs Top of Mind for Voters

More and more Americans fear they won’t be able to afford housing.

July 3, 2024 - Reuters

U.S. Supreme Court

Will the Supreme Court’s Chevron Decision Impact Environmental Regulations?

By overturning the Chevron doctrine, the Supreme Court stripped federal agencies like the EPA of final say when interpreting ambiguous legislative policies, leaving future decisions up to judges.

July 1, 2024 - Grist

Aerial bird's eye view of unhoused encampment along roadside in Sacramento, California.

Supreme Court Upholds Unhoused Sleeping Ban

The decision sets the stage for what could be a fierce battle over homelessness policy.

June 30, 2024 - NPR

Close-up of U.S. Supreme Court building with "Equial Justice Under the Law" carving across top.

SCOTUS Watch: Power of Federal Agencies Likely to be Restricted

A 1984 landmark Supreme Court ruling empowering federal agencies to interpret statutes when there is uncertainty is being challenged. The outcome will impact federal regulatory authority throughout government, particularly environmental protection.

June 28, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

Tree fallen on home in Texas afetr Hurricane Harvey.

Reining in Rising Property Insurance Rates

There are many proposed ways to mitigate the property insurance cost crisis. They all require action from federal or state governments.

June 27, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

View of traffic on bridge going into Manhattan, New York City at night.

Congestion Pricing Compromise?

A CBS News New York report suggests that Gov. Kathy Hochul is considering lifting her ‘indefinite pause’ on the Manhattan congestion pricing project if the $15 toll was lowered. Litigation threatened by the NYC comptroller may be a factor.

June 26, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

Aerial view of downtown Detroit, Michigan at twilight.

Detroit and Michigan on the Upswing

It's been 66 years since the Motor City last grew its population. Census data released last month revealed an increase of nearly 2,000 people last year, nearly half the state's population growth.

June 23, 2024 - Irvin Dawid

Digital drawing of person holding city skyline with wifi symbols and lines indicating smart cities or data.

Cities Awarded for Data-Driven Projects

The What Cities Works Certification recognizes cities for using data to solve real problems.

June 21, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of top of California state capitol dome with U.S. and California flags flying and blue sky in background.

California is Updating its Climate Adaptation Strategy

The 2024 draft plan outlines the state's key climate resilience priorities, includes specific and measurable actions, and serves as a framework for collective efforts across sectors and regions in California.

June 20, 2024 - California Natural Resources Agency

Couple on one side of desk with banker on other side looking at paperwork.

Are Race-Based Lawsuits Affecting Community Lenders?

Shelterforce spoke with community lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector. What, if anything, are organizations doing to avoid becoming the next target of conservative activists?

June 18, 2024 - Shelterforce Magazine

Rendering of Glory Park in Lewisville, Texas.

New Park Promotes Community and Connectivity in Lewisville, Texas

The city of Lewisville just celebrated the opening of Glory Park/Parque la Gloria, helping to improve park access and the quality of life for residents.

June 18, 2024 - Lewisville Leader

Worker in yellow safety suit holding up orange SLOW sign on road

New Orleans Faces $1 Billion Shortfall for FEMA-Funded Roadwork

After years of delays, cost overruns, and deadline extensions on a FEMA-funded street repair program, New Orleans officials face a massive funding shortfall and accusations of mismanagement.

June 17, 2024 - NOLA.com

Single-family homes in a suburban neighborhood in Florida.

New Florida Law Curbs HOA Power

The legislation seeks to cut down on ‘absurd’ citations for low-level violations.

June 16, 2024 - The Guardian

Group of people sitting in circle of chairs at counseling session.

California Lawmakers Seek to Fund Sober Housing

A 2016 law prohibits state-funded supportive housing from mandating sobriety, but supporters of a proposed bill say a new approach is needed in light of the opioid crisis.

June 13, 2024 - Governing

Close-up of metal manhole cover with pelican logo and 'East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Public Works.'

How ‘Opportunity Hoarding’ Harms Communities

Wealthy communities are incorporating their own cities, draining tax revenue and resources away from surrounding neighborhoods.

June 11, 2024 - Bloomberg CityLab

A side view of a young Black woman in a red sweater and jeans standing at a ballot box in a gymnasium with white walls and an American flag in the background.

Gen Z Says Housing Affordability Is Top Issue in November Election

As mortgages remain out of reach and rents unaffordable, particularly for younger generations, housing affordability could be a deciding factor at the ballot box.

June 9, 2024 - HousingWire

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