To deal with growth, Montgomery County, MD will lift a building moratorium in its most congested areas, but impose the state's highest taxes on development.
"A divided Montgomery County Council voted yesterday to impose Maryland's highest taxes on development, but coupled that decision with a move that will effectively lift a moratorium on building homes in some of the county's most congested areas....The deepest division was over a proposal to rewrite the standards that planners will use to determine whether an area is so saturated with vehicles and schoolchildren that it no longer can accommodate new subdivisions."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Montgomery Alters Development Rules

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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