If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

The mall conversion trend is picking up steam around the country. Now, reports Stacy Wescoe in Central Penn Business Journal, a bill making its way through the Pennsylvania state legislature “would authorize cities, boroughs, incorporated towns and townships to provide developers special tax incentives for redeveloping languishing shopping malls.”
The bill, which heads to the state Senate, was introduced as a way to revitalize underutilized commercial space that seems increasingly unlikely to bounce back as consumer preferences and land use patterns change.
According to Wescoe, “The legislation would create a committee that would provide guidance for the redevelopment of shopping malls. This board would be composed of members with expertise in areas such as real estate development, municipal planning, economic development and land use planning.”
FULL STORY: Bill to aid in adaptive reuse of vacant mall space passes Pa. House

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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