The state task force will examine six bills aimed at limiting local opposition to new housing development.
The Wyoming state legislature’s Regulatory Reduction Task Force is considering a package of housing bills that could limit local control over zoning and building to promote more housing production, reports Angus M. Thuermer, Jr. for WyoFile.
According to Thuermer, “Formed by the Legislature in 2023, the task force was charged with examining “rules, regulations, statutes, and processes affecting the mining, agricultural, and construction industries.” Landowners, developers and some affordable housing advocates last year urged the task force to also focus on local authority over development permits, fees and zoning regulations that are now top agenda items.”
The proposed bills would, among other things, limit or eliminate development fees for housing, prohibit natural gas in new buildings, and bar cities from charging rental property registration fees.
Additionally, “Zoning protest petition-amendments would change the percentage of neighboring property owners required to protest a change to zoning, development restrictions or boundaries. Set at 20% today, it could be changed to an unspecified number that the task force would recommend.” Another bill would promote the leasing of government-owned land for housing purposes.
FULL STORY: State (Wyoming) considers limiting local authority over housing, zoning and development
Colorado Bill Would Tie Transportation Funding to TOD
The proposed law would require cities to meet certain housing targets near transit or risk losing access to a key state highway fund.
How Persuasive Are Arguments Against Statewide Zoning Reform?
A leading scholar of state and local government argues that local governments’ need to regulate business should take priority over the state and national interests in lowering housing costs. Are his assumptions persuasive?
Bill Legalizing ADUs Passes Texas Senate
If passed by the full state legislature, the bill would eliminate local restrictions on ‘mother-in-law’ units.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland