When zoning reform meets private covenants: the HOA obstacle to backyard cottages
As more US cities rewrite zoning rules to allow accessory dwellings, private homeowners’ association covenants remain a barrier that reform alone cannot…
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Seattle-Area Race Highlights Diverging Approaches to Housing, Transit and Tech Taxation
A Washington State legislative race in the 32nd District pits incrementalism against urgency on housing supply, transit funding and tech regulation, with…
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New York court ruling on sanctuary policies carries implications for city-level immigration enforcement across the US
A federal judge has dismissed the Trump administration’s attempt to override New York City’s restrictions on immigration enforcement cooperation, citing state sovereignty.…
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Automated license plate readers raise privacy, contract and oversight questions for UK cities
A new US-focused analysis of automated license plate recognition cameras highlights contract, privacy and oversight issues that London boroughs and Transport for…
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Oregon’s “fix it first” dilemma: what London’s transport planners can learn from a revolt against megaprojects
Surveys show Oregonians overwhelmingly want existing roads repaired before new megaprojects are funded, and trust in the state’s transport agency has collapsed.…
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California’s $11.25 billion housing bond: What London planners can learn from Proposition 1
California voters are deciding on an $11.25 billion general obligation bond to fund affordable housing. As London grapples with its own stalled…
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What Portland’s I-205 bridge cost blowout teaches London about mega-project risk
A Portland highway bridge originally priced at £248 million now stands at £885 million. The pattern of escalating estimates, delayed soil work…
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California’s unused dam safety powers hold lessons for London’s ageing flood infrastructure
A California audit reveals the state has never used its enforcement powers against dam owners, despite 57 dams in poor condition. As…
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Washington Public Defence Funding Dispute Threatens State Appeals System
The Washington Appellate Project, which handles around 40% of the state’s public defence appeals, could close by the end of the year…
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New York Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Apartments Near Transit, Highlighting Contrast with London’s Own Housing Debate
A new poll from Open New York finds 79% of voters support building multi-family homes near rail stations, as the governor’s race…
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Seattle City Attorney Launches New Community Court and Repeat Offender Programme Amid Public Defender Concerns
Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans has launched Connection Court, a new community court programme, alongside a punitive High-Priority Repeat Offenses system. The…
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Seattle’s Centers & Corridors Zoning Update Delayed by Environmental Review Ruling
A state hearings board ruling has forced Seattle to rework the environmental impact statement for its twenty-year growth plan, pushing the next…
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