What other cities can learn from New York’s decade of housing regulation
Each initiative was politically popular and framed as a temporary response to economic pressure. Yet taken together, these measures fundamentally...
Streamlining housing growth: what Baltimore’s zoning reforms mean for cities nationwide
The core of Baltimore’s reforms is regulatory simplification. By removing a mandated minimum of off‑street parking, the city lowers one...
Why some cities are hiring robots—and what they’ve learned so far
Kansas City’s fire department now operates a robot capable of delivering 2,500 gallons of water per minute—more than a standard...
The Chicago Bears’ stadium debt should give other cities pause
Public subsidies for professional sports venues are frequently pitched as economic catalysts, promising jobs, tourism, and neighborhood revitalization. But when...
Wildfire-resistant landscaping is common sense—but not without controversy
California is right to take wildfires seriously—2023 alone saw 7,000 fires and over 300,000 acres burned statewide. But climate resilience...
“Privately funded” stadiums? Read the fine print
In cities like Washington, D.C., and Denver, what looks like private investment often includes taxpayer contributions—just moved off-budget and into...
New Resource: Local Policies to Expand Economic Opportunity
The Better Cities Project, in partnership with True Charity, is proud to announce the release of Local Policies to Expand...
Building digital trust amid uncertainty: a strategic opportunity for local governments
It may seem counterintuitive, but uncertain budgets … present a strategic opening for local agencies to strengthen public trust.
Massachusetts may follow NYC in shifting broker fees to landlords—increasing rents
Landlords in New York City swiftly absorbed broker fee costs into rent—causing a 15 percent uptick in advertised prices and diminutions...
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