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State Preemption Laws Reshape County Land-Use Authority, NACo Analysis Finds

The National Association of Counties (NACo) reports that over 500 bills introduced in 40 states last year contained preemption clauses affecting county land-use authority. Housing supply and affordability motivated 38% of these measures, with California, Arizona, and Washington leading in bill counts. The analysis highlights a growing trend of state legislators reducing local control over housing development, energy projects, and economic development.

Housing
US Chamber Housing Council Targets Supply, Affordability Hurdles

Following the enactment of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce established a Housing Advisory Council to turn federal reforms into action. The council will focus on zoning modernization, capital mobilization, and workforce development, drawing on input from industry leaders including JPMorganChase, Citi, UMH Properties, and James Hardie.

Latest news
Fire response is infrastructure. Cities should treat it that way.

Fire departments are among the most visible yet least modernized city services. With aging fleets, rising costs, and faster-burning synthetic materials, every second counts. Retired Captain Kirk McKinzie calls for treating emergency response technology as critical infrastructure, funded with long-term planning rather than annual budgets.

Opinion
通勤铁路面临责任险保额要求骤增24%,行业紧急应对

美国通勤铁路运营商正面临责任险保额要求在一个月内上调逾24%的紧迫局面。联邦公报于8月5日发布相关通知,9月4日为最后期限。由于承保商数量有限且多位于海外,运营商需紧急寻找新保单并筹措额外资金。若无法按时投保,部分线路可能被迫停运。行业组织提议延长调整周期或建立联邦保险基金以缓解压力。

Transportation
NYC Luxury Second-Home Tax Proceeds Amid Legal Challenge

New York City's 'pied-à-terre' tax on luxury second homes is moving forward after an appeal stayed a judge's temporary restraining order. The tax, expected to generate $500 million in FY 2027, faces a lawsuit over notice and burden of proof. Other states are also enacting similar taxes.

Housing
Online Payments: 8 Strategies for Cities to Enhance Convenience and Security

As more residents pay city bills online, municipalities face challenges in convenience, security, and back-office efficiency. Drawing on insights from Santa Barbara finance officials and industry experts, this article outlines eight key considerations—ranging from cybersecurity and vendor partnerships to fee structures and digital wallet support—to help cities design better online payment systems.

Governance & Finance
FTA awards $1.28B to expand Utah's FrontRunner commuter rail

The Federal Transit Administration announced a $1.28 billion capital investment grant on Aug. 7 to expand Utah's FrontRunner commuter rail. The project will add a second track, a new station, and 10 train sets to boost frequency along an 83-mile corridor. Construction is slated to begin next year and conclude in 2030.

Transportation
Archer Aviation to Acquire Boeing's eVTOL Unit Wisk Aero in Stock-for-Stake Deal

Archer Aviation has agreed to acquire Boeing's eVTOL subsidiary Wisk Aero, along with drone maker Insitu and air traffic software firm Skygrid, in exchange for a minority stake in Archer. Boeing will receive 19.75% of Class A shares and may invest up to $55 million in Archer's next funding round before March 31, 2027. The transaction, expected to close by end of 2026, marks a strategic shift for Boeing to focus on core commercial, defense, and global services operations.

Latest news
Steamy-hot subways are a problem in New York. They could become a clean-energy asset.

The Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station in New York City averaged 96 degrees Fahrenheit last summer. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a study to install the first thermal energy network (TEN) in a U.S. transit system, capturing subway waste heat and storing it in geothermal wells for use in heating nearby municipal buildings during winter. The $800,000 feasibility study will begin this fall, and if viable, design work is expected to start in early 2027.

Buildings & Design

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