Amid a flurry of subsidies in other states offered to companies like Microsoft and Yahoo!, Google plans to open a $600 million data center in Lenoir, North Carolina, population 17,000. The city will offer a generous tax break and a state grant.
"Both Google and Microsoft received generous subsidies from state and local governments. According to the Charlotte Observer, city officials in Lenoir agreed to waive 100 percent of Google's business property taxes and 80 percent of its real estate taxes for three decades. Lenoir is a city of about 17,000 about 70 miles northwest of Charlotte.
'This company will provide hundreds of good-paying, knowledge-based jobs that North Carolina's citizens want,'' North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley said in a statement. The governor said jobs at Google are expected to pay $48,300, much more than the county's average yearly wage of $27,300."
Thanks to California Association for Local Economic Development
FULL STORY: Google wins subsidies to build N.C. server farm

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.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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