Voters in Cobb County, Georgia, overwhelmingly prioritized parks and green space back in 2008. Cobb County commissioners', however, are still acting to quell those intentions.
"The Cobb County Board of Commissioners voted 2-3 Tuesday against issuing $24.7 million in park bonds," reports Carolyn Cunningham.
If they had been approved, the "bonds would have been a first step in fulfilling the county’s pledge to fund $40 million in park bonds when this item was approved by 67 percent of Cobb voters on a November 2008 referendum."
The opposing commissioners gave various reasons for their vote, from a reluctance to approve new taxes required to pay off the bonds to a concern about ongoing maintenance and operations costs.
A separate article by Job Gargis provides more details on the commissioners' refusal to issue the bonds—despite the support from two-thirds of county voters during the 2008 referendum that approved the bonds. The original delay in issuing the bonds, back at the time of the voters' approval, was that "the tanking economy would have forced a tax increase to repay the bonds."
An article by Dan Klepal, written before the vote, provides additional context for the commissioners' decision.
FULL STORY: Cobb denies $24.7 million for park bonds
San Diego Planners Want to Reform Park Funding System
The San Diego Planning Department wants to change the system that currently funds improvements to public amenities, facing considerations about the implementation and legality of the proposed alternative.
The State of New York City's Parks
A new report by the Center for an Urban Future signals the need for attention to the Big Apple's parks before they are beyond repair.
Not a Walk in the Park: What It Really Takes to Build Green Spaces
Park creation can take decades of perseverance to overcome financial, regulatory, and social hurdles, but the end result for the local community is more than worth it.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service