Columnist Steve Duin of The Oregonian follows the case of seemingly misused historic tax breaks in Portland.
"But when a distressed state and city virtually eliminate the property tax on spanking new $425,000 condos, something seems out of whack, especially when tax abatement arrives in the name of "historic preservation" . . . and only the hollow shell of history remains. ... Lofts are being constructed at a frenzied rate in the Pearl these days. Would the pace slow if developers could not take advantage of the historic preservation abatement, or the 10-year central-city tax break in which one pays taxes on the land, not the improvements?"
Thanks to Transport Policy Listserv
FULL STORY: Should we preserve historic tax breaks?
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Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
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Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
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With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.
California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
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