State Legislation
Oregon Considering a Bike Tax
Oregon lawmakers have proposed a new tax on the sale of bikes—if it passes it would be the first of its kind in the country.
Florida Doubles Down on Property Tax Break for Solar
The Florida Legislature has delivered a bill to Gov. Rick Scott's desk that would end property taxes on solar panels in the state of Florida for all commercial and industrial uses.
Texas State Legislator Targets Historic Preservation for Demolition
A bill under consideration in the Texas House of Representatives would tie the hands of preservationists, making it much easier for building owners to demolish or alter buildings without regard to historic significance.
Ohio Bans the Use of Plywood to Board Up Vacant Buildings
The state of Ohio is expanding a practice used by the Fannie Mae to counter the negative effects of vacancies and blight.
Nebraska Lawmakers Hoping to Solve the State's Rural Housing Shortage
Communities across Nebraska report plenty of jobs to go around, but not enough housing for the workers to fulfill the demand.
Missouri Lawmakers Hate Tolls
Missouri State Representative Bryan Spencer (R-Wentzville) on tolls: Don't even think about it, Missouri Department of Transportation.
State Legislation to Pressure New York City for Property Tax Reform
New York City's property tax system is a growing source of political consternation, and now state legislators have entered the fray.
Texas Bill to Slow Property Tax Increases Advances
The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 2, which would require a vote to raise property taxes beyond 5 percent—lowered from the current threshold of 8 percent.
Reform for Maryland's Farebox Recovery Mandate Could Change Planning Paradigms
A funding formula that frequently determines the scope and quality of transit in the state of Maryland could be reformed by state legislators this year.
State Legislation Could Make Parking Meters Legal in North Dakota Again
A law making its way through the North Dakota Legislative Assembly would challenge a prevailing assumption in the state that free parking is a human right.
Revoking a National Monument Not Easy, Even with Republican Congress
But that's no reason not to try, figures Republican Rep. Rob Bishop of Utah, chair of the powerful House Natural Resources Committee, who has his sights on the Bears Ears National Monument, barely a month old.
Defending Washington's Growth Management Act
Washington state's 1990 Growth Management Act (GMA) is facing a renewed round of attacks from Republican legislators in the state. A post on The Urbanist says the latest bills designed to weaken the GMA go further than other recent examples.
Colorado Could Be the Next State to Legalize the Idaho Stop
Colorado is the latest state to consider allowing people on bikes to pass through intersections more freely than cars.
Michigan the Latest to Preempt Municipalities from Banning Plastic Bags
Michigan has joined a small but growing list of states that have passed laws prohibiting municipalities from banning single-use plastic bags or charging for bags, as is done in California. Critics assail it as an 'attack on local control.'
New Ohio Law Fast Tracks Foreclosures for Vacant Properties
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland provides an early assessment of a new foreclosure law in Ohio designed to help reduce vacant and blighted properties in the state.
California's New Accessory Dwelling Unit Having an Effect in Monterey
The city of Monterey has been compelled by a new state law to loosen prohibitions on accessory dwelling units after failing to so earlier in the year.
State Law Paves the Way for More Granny Flats in California
The state of California stepped into to make it easier for local governments to approve permissive regulations of accessory dwelling units.
Pennsylvania Legislators Propose New Commercial Development in State Parks
A pair of legislative proposals in the Pennsylvania State Legislature would open the door to private development in the state park system.
Pennsylvania Legislation to Address Billboard Impacts
Residents in towns around Pennsylvania are calling for regulations to better understand and mitigate the impacts of large digital and static billboards.
Massachusetts Moves Zoning Reform Bill Forward
An update to the state's zoning laws—the first update of its kind since 1975—is moving forward through the Massachusetts Legislature.
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.
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