In Philadelphia, small non-profits can force payment from area businesses and owners through Business Improvement District regulations.
"In University City, a nonprofit dedicated to picking up litter and conducting safety patrols is tired of relying solely on voluntary contributions to fund its activities. Now, it wants businesses and property owners with at least four units to pay up.
A 2000 amendment to a state law made it easier for community groups to create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), which are types of Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NIDs) that collect mandatory "assessments" from those who benefit from their services."
Yet is the system "taxation without representation", as some opponents claim?
FULL STORY: Tax Burdened
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
‘Innovative DOT’ Guide Offers Path to Resilience for State DOTs
A new resource offers concrete recommendations for thriving in a changing transportation landscape, prioritizing a ‘fix it first’ approach to infrastructure maintenance.
USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations
A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.
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.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
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City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
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Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research