Members of Congress are mobilizing to protect the popular New Market Tax Credit program, which has offered benefits in rural and urban environments.
"Facing an impending tax overhaul from the Trump administration, members of the House and Senate have moved to protect a program that gives tax credits to businesses that create jobs and other economy boosters in low-income communities," reports Kelsey E. Thomas.
Thomas is referring to the U.S. Treasury’s New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program, "which targets poor zip codes both urban and rural, has gained bipartisan support and many friends in both the urban development and business worlds since its implementation in 2000." Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced the two bills, called the "New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2017" [pdf]. The bills would make the program permanent.
Thomas provides additional insight onto the prevailing political winds facing the New Market Tax Credits, with evidence provided by statements from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin during his confirmation hearing.
FULL STORY: Congress Is Making a Bipartisan Push for an Urban Development Tax Credit

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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