The region appears ready to adopt a plan that will discourage unsustainable development.
"Erie and Niagara counties rely on a provocative development practice: Each year, they build lots of new homes even though they lose lots of people.
More homes means more schools, more roads and sidewalks, more water and sewer lines - all supported by fewer people. That means higher taxes.
"We can't continue down this road," said George Grasser, a prominent real estate attorney and an advocate for "Smart Growth" policies. "Other communities have done it. Now we have to do it."
Grasser says the "it" can be found in the Framework for Regional Growth, a new strategy, five years in the making and now poised to become Erie County's vision of how to guide development over the next 15 years.
Supporters, who met last week with writers and editors at The Buffalo News, say they expect the County Legislature to endorse the framework Thursday."
FULL STORY: Plan maps approach to curbing sprawl
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.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
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.
USDOT Eliminates Environmental, Equity Considerations
A new memo rescinds Biden-era regulations that prioritized renewable energy, accessibility, and equity for historically disadvantaged communities.
Study: Drops in Transit Ridership Linked to Extreme Weather
Unsurprisingly, people are less likely to use transit during extreme weather events, which are becoming more common around the country.
Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent
House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.
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
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research