#municipal-madness

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fromInvestigative Post
2 days ago

Investigative Post event on reforming Buffalo and NY government.

John Kaehny has written and successfully lobbied for the passage of state and New York City laws related to government transparency and accountability, including the first open data law in the world in 2012.
NYC politics
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
15 hours ago

Local elections profile: Croydon

Croydon is a diverse, populous borough in London known for its high-rise living, commercial hub, and rich history dating back to before the Norman Conquest.
#homelessness
Los Angeles
fromLos Angeles Times
12 hours ago

Under L.A. mayor's $300-million homeless program, 40% have returned to the street

The Inside Safe program has seen a significant number of participants return to homelessness despite efforts to provide interim housing.
Social justice
fromPUNCH
6 days ago

What Does a Bar Owe Its Neighbors?

Bartenders in urban areas face challenges of homelessness and mental health crises, requiring a balance of compassion, safety, and quick decision-making.
fromwww.theguardian.com
15 hours ago

How Paris swapped cars for bikes and transformed its streets

Corentin Roudaut, who once felt overwhelmed by Paris's traffic, found renewed confidence in cycling after the establishment of a segregated bike lane on Boulevard Voltaire. He now actively participates in promoting cycling in the city, witnessing a remarkable transformation in urban mobility and safety over the last decade.
Paris food
Remote teams
fromLos Angeles Times
1 day ago

Two days in the office a month? L.A. city attorney candidates tussle over telework

Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto and challenger Marissa Roy have opposing views on office attendance policies for city attorneys.
California
fromPadailypost
2 days ago

Group wants to put town's use of parking lots on the ballot

Residents of Los Altos seek a ballot initiative to protect downtown parking plazas from changes without public voting.
fromPhilosophynow
4 days ago
Philosophy

The Collective City

Islamic philosophy invites plurality and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and the acceptance of error in understanding.
fromIrish Independent
1 day ago

Row erupts over Tipperary GAA club expansion as residents and tennis club lodge appeal

Fethard Tennis Club expressed disappointment in the council's decision, stating that the GAA club's plans to use the tennis courts as an access route will have a significant impact on the club and its future development.
Renovation
NYC music
fromStreetsblog California
3 days ago

The Week in Short Videos - Streetsblog California

Streetsblog NYC announced a themed action movie starring Sebastian Stan, alongside updates on videos and federal land fracking proposals.
Canada news
fromwww.cbc.ca
1 day ago

Northeast Pickering development decision delayed for further consultations with First Nations | CBC News

Pickering council deferred a decision on developing 1,600 hectares of land for more consultation with First Nations groups.
Environment
from99% Invisible
2 days ago

Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work? - 99% Invisible

Phoenix's extreme summer heat underscores the critical importance of a reliable electrical grid for survival.
Brooklyn
fromUrbanplacesandspaces
2 days ago

Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space

Siloed transit planning hinders effective connections between projects like IBX and Penn Station Access, limiting regional transit network potential.
Austin
fromPadailypost
2 days ago

New bus-only route might open the door to 7-story apartment buildings

Turning the Dumbarton Rail Corridor into a bus-only route may lead to seven-story apartment buildings in Atherton.
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 days ago

Why reducing air pollution deaths isn't just about reducing air pollution

Air pollution is the second-largest risk factor for early death globally. Traditionally, our response has focused on reducing the levels of pollution people breathe, but this is only part of the story.
Public health
#new-york-city
fromNew York City, NY Patch
6 days ago
NYC politics

Your Vote Decides Which New York Neighborhood Fix Mamdani Will Tackle Next

Over 11,600 New Yorkers participated in the Mayor's Municipal Madness to select city projects for repair by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
fromNew York Daily News
4 days ago
New York City

NYC Council budget plan averts Mamdani property tax hike, avoids tapping reserves

The City Council plans to close New York's budget gap without tax hikes or using reserves, proposing alternative funding sources instead.
New York City
fromStreetsblog New York City
3 days ago

Trash Containerization Program Remains Unfunded in Mamdani's City Budget - Streetsblog New York City

Funding for New York City's trash containerization program is uncertain, risking the continuation of efforts to improve waste management.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

Op-ed | A responsible path forward for New York City's budget | amNewYork

New York City's budget process is a complex negotiation that impacts community investment and addresses fiscal challenges.
NYC politics
fromNew York City, NY Patch
6 days ago

Your Vote Decides Which New York Neighborhood Fix Mamdani Will Tackle Next

Over 11,600 New Yorkers participated in the Mayor's Municipal Madness to select city projects for repair by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
New York City
fromNew York Daily News
4 days ago

NYC Council budget plan averts Mamdani property tax hike, avoids tapping reserves

The City Council plans to close New York's budget gap without tax hikes or using reserves, proposing alternative funding sources instead.
UK politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
3 days ago

National app could end parking headaches for drivers

The National Parking Platform initiative aims to simplify parking payments by allowing drivers to use one app for multiple services.
#san-francisco
from48 hills
3 days ago
SF politics

SF budget picture improves as mayor tries to cut the tax that is part of the recovery - 48 hills

San Francisco's financial outlook is improving, driven by increased tax revenues, particularly from high-end real estate transactions.
from99% Invisible
5 days ago
Mission District

Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco? - 99% Invisible

San Francisco's struggle with public trash can placement reveals deeper issues in urban waste management and human behavior.
SF politics
from48 hills
3 days ago

SF budget picture improves as mayor tries to cut the tax that is part of the recovery - 48 hills

San Francisco's financial outlook is improving, driven by increased tax revenues, particularly from high-end real estate transactions.
Mission District
from99% Invisible
5 days ago

Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco? - 99% Invisible

San Francisco's struggle with public trash can placement reveals deeper issues in urban waste management and human behavior.
fromSan Jose Inside
3 days ago

County and Partners Celebrate Completion of Unique Affordable Housing Project

"To address housing affordability in our community, we need all types of affordable housing options, including affordable ownership opportunities that allow individuals and families an opportunity to build equity alongside housing stability," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong.
East Bay real estate
SF music
fromFuncheap
4 days ago

What Comes After

What Comes After is a choral event exploring themes of resilience and transformation through music and dialogue.
Boston
fromBoston.com
4 days ago

Boston faces budget deficit of nearly $50 million

Boston faces a $48.4 million budget deficit due to external cost pressures, prompting spending freezes and hiring delays.
San Jose Sharks
fromSan Jose Spotlight
4 days ago

San Jose rolls out the welcome mat at Arena Green - San Jose Spotlight

Arena Green Park in San Jose has undergone significant renovations, making it ready for public use and community events.
Mission District
fromPadailypost
4 days ago

Property owners asked to double fee they pay to fight mosquitoes

Santa Clara County property owners will vote on a new fee to fund mosquito control and pest management services.
fromLos Angeles Times
4 days ago

Altadenans are rushing to rebuild, but progress is slow

Beatriz Coca, a retired psychologist, discovered the need for a temporary power pole during her home construction process, highlighting the complexities faced by many rebuilding their homes.
LA real estate
Marketing tech
fromForbes
5 days ago

The New Frontier Of GEO Demands An Integrated Approach

AI has transformed search optimization, requiring a unified approach across departments to enhance brand visibility and trustworthiness.
London
fromianVisits
4 days ago

Exhibition charts how the City of London ended up owning Epping Forest

Epping Forest was preserved by the City of London after a series of legal actions and purchases in the 19th century.
Portland
fromopb
5 days ago

Ashland council votes to remove city offices from community center

Ashland City Hall closed due to safety issues, employees relocated to community center, which is now banned for office use.
SOMA, SF
fromStreetsblog San Francisco
5 days ago

Op-Ed: Don't Blow Sunday Streets - Streetsblog San Francisco

San Francisco's budget cuts threaten the Sunday Streets program, vital for community health and cohesion, by eliminating significant funding from the Department of Public Health.
US news
fromsfist.com
5 days ago

Tuesday Morning Topline: Bay Area City Giving Away Ring Cameras

Supervisor Jackie Fielder's mental health issue may lead to her resignation, paralleling past cases of supervisors stepping back due to health concerns.
fromAllthingssmitty
6 days ago

You probably don't need to lift state - Matt Smith

Keep state as close as possible to where it's actually used. Lift it when multiple components need it or you need to coordinate behavior between components.
React
UK news
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

Councils pressed to use universal parking app to cut 'unfair' fines

The government is promoting a nationwide parking payment app to reduce fines and simplify payments for drivers across England.
Design
fromArchDaily
2 days ago

Cultural Centers Beyond the Building: 6 Unbuilt Projects Integrating Landscape

Cultural centers are evolving to reflect diverse architectural explorations and redefine public institutions' roles in various contexts.
NYC politics
fromCity Limits
2 days ago

Councilmember Investigated Over Possible Bribes In Shelter Contracting, And What Else Happened This Week in Housing

Councilmember Farah Louis is under federal investigation for allegedly steering shelter contracts in exchange for benefits.
New York City
fromThe New Yorker
3 days ago

Zohran Mamdani's Pick to Help "Fundamentally Change" the Way New Yorkers Relate to City Government

Tascha Van Auken aims to transform New Yorkers' relationship with city government through the Mayor's Office of Mass Engagement.
Renovation
fromArchDaily
3 days ago

Youth Commons / Studio RE+N

A neglected rooftop in Songyang County transforms into a vibrant community commons despite initial design flaws and lack of facilities.
California
fromStreetsblog
6 days ago

No Kings Rallies Throughout California - Streetsblog California

Record attendance of 8 million at No Kings rallies across the U.S., with significant participation in California's major cities.
fromFast Company
5 days ago

How Paris redesigned itself to be a city of bikes-not cars

"This project is symbolic of what we've done over the last 12 years, reshaping the streets and the city," Christophe Najovski, the city's deputy mayor in charge of green spaces, stated during the opening ceremony.
Paris food
Canada news
fromwww.cbc.ca
5 days ago

Toronto council approves major Swansea Mews rebuild despite community concerns | CBC News

Toronto city council approved a rebuild plan for Swansea Mews, but former tenants feel it does not meet their needs or desires.
Public health
fromArs Technica
6 days ago

Water utility announces it's ditching fluoride-then reveals it did so years ago

Birmingham's lawsuit against CAW seeks to restore fluoride in water, citing public health risks from its removal.
Boston
fromBoston.com
5 days ago

'BPS transportation is failing us': School bus delays have Boston parents calling for change

Thousands of students face delays in school transportation despite claims of improved on-time performance by Boston Public Schools.
Environment
fromNature
6 days ago

How buildings and cities can be aligned with life

Buildings currently harm the environment, but regenerative design can restore ecological systems and reduce waste through nature-inspired strategies.
SF politics
fromStreetsblog USA
6 days ago

Transit Safety For the People, By the People - Streetsblog USA

The RIDER Safety Act proposes hiring transit ambassadors to enhance safety in public transit without police involvement.
#nyc-community-boards
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

NYC Council members would have more control in establishing community boards, per new bill

A new bill proposes that NYC Council members appoint half of community board members to enhance local representation.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

NYC community boards: What to know about these civic groups, how they operate and why there's a reform push

NYC Community Boards are essential for civic engagement, allowing residents to voice opinions and influence local governance.
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

NYC Council members would have more control in establishing community boards, per new bill

A new bill proposes that NYC Council members appoint half of community board members to enhance local representation.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

NYC community boards: What to know about these civic groups, how they operate and why there's a reform push

NYC Community Boards are essential for civic engagement, allowing residents to voice opinions and influence local governance.
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

People need hope': Greens court voters in battle for north-east council seats

Jamie Driscoll, a former Labour mayor, is campaigning for the Greens in Newcastle amid a challenging political landscape for Labour.
fromArchDaily
4 days ago

The Illusion of Lightness: Designing Civic Voids for Public Life

The original intent of pilotis was to create a sense of lightness that would allow circulation and light to flow beneath a structure, but contemporary requirements render thin columns insufficient for large-scale civic projects.
Renovation
NYC politics
fromGothamist
2 days ago

New Yorkers stopped composting after city stopped giving them fines, report shows

Enforcement of composting fines in New York City has decreased, leading to a significant drop in compost collection since 2025.
NYC politics
fromStreetsblog New York City
2 days ago

State Bill Would Stop Highway Expansions Near Vulnerable New Yorkers - Streetsblog New York City

New York State will halt highway expansions near public housing and asthma hotspots to protect vulnerable communities from pollution.
New York City
fromNBC New York
3 days ago

City Council adds free transit proposal to its preliminary budget response

City Council proposes an alternative budget to address a $6 billion shortfall without raising taxes or cutting essential services.
Boston
fromBoston.com
2 weeks ago

City Council calls for more transparency from Wu over transportation projects

Mayor Wu's requirement for personal approval of transit and road safety projects has caused significant delays, prompting even her allies on the City Council to demand increased transparency and accountability.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
5 days ago

New bin rules begin in England but not all councils are ready

New rules mandate weekly food waste collections in England, but many councils are unprepared to meet the deadline.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

Editorial | Finding the fare' way forward, for New Yorkers and the budget | amNewYork

Mayor Mamdani's plan for a fare-free bus system faces funding challenges, but the City Council proposes expanding the Fair Fares program for low-income New Yorkers.
Artificial intelligence
fromFast Company
1 month ago

Local governments could deploy AI for good. Here's how

Agentic AI can transform city governance by automating routine tasks, improving service efficiency, and enabling proactive infrastructure maintenance while maintaining accountability through ambitious local leadership.
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

Mamdani fires back at Menin over City Council's budget response, charges it ignores bigger financial problems | amNewYork

Mamdani stated that the City Council's budget strategy effectively ensures this structural deficit will continue indefinitely, impacting vital city services and failing to solve deep financial problems.
New York City
#local-elections
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Your Party to focus local election efforts on backing independent candidates

Your Party is targeting urban areas with large Muslim populations to support independent candidates and community groups against Labour.
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Your Party to focus local election efforts on backing independent candidates

Your Party is targeting urban areas with large Muslim populations to support independent candidates and community groups against Labour.
fromwww.bbc.com
3 days ago

Local elections profile: Brent

Brent is one of the most ethnically diverse local authorities in the UK, with a mix of urban districts in the east and suburban neighbourhoods in the west.
London politics
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

Transit officials announce clean air investments in South Bronx thanks to congestion pricing revenue | amNewYork

Congestion pricing funds will replace diesel trucks with hybrid models to reduce air pollution in the city.
Alternative transportation
fromFast Company
3 weeks ago

Traffic safety improvements frequently die by popular vote. It's time to stop that

Vision Zero, a Swedish road safety philosophy, proves traffic deaths are preventable through proper street design, enforcement, and awareness, yet Americans resist safety improvements due to normalized traffic violence.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

Dismay as allotments set to become graveyard

Richmond Council plans to convert allotments into a cemetery despite significant public opposition and calls for a sustainable burial strategy.
fromArchDaily
3 weeks ago

Mobility Justice: Urban Equity in an Era of Innovation

Every city contains two transportation systems. One is the visible network of roads, rail lines, sidewalks, and bus routes mapped in planning documents. The other is the invisible geography of privilege and exclusion embedded within it: the neighborhoods that received highways instead of parks, the communities whose bus routes were cut, the sidewalks that abruptly end at the edge of a district.
Alternative transportation
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

Campaigners celebrate after new town plans dropped

Campaigner Aysha Hawcutt stated that residents were 'not anti-homes', but believed the Adlington plan was 'the wrong proposal in the wrong place'. She expressed pride in the community's resilience against the development threats.
London politics
LA real estate
fromLos Angeles Times
26 years ago

Developer Takes Big Steps to Win Public Support

A developer is conducting an extensive $50,000 grassroots campaign distributing informational packets to 4,000 neighbors to build support for an 866-home project in Santa Clarita Valley.
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

English councils to get guidance on designing safer streets for women and girls

Councils will receive guidance to create safer streets for women and girls, addressing systemic unfairness in walking safety.
NYC politics
fromStreetsblog
2 weeks ago

Thursday's Headlines: Backed into a Corner Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Governor Hochul promotes auto insurance deregulation backed by Uber and major insurers spending millions on lobbying, while facing increased scrutiny from press corps over corporate influence.
fromEntrepreneur
2 months ago

How to Win Big With Public-Sector Partners

Understanding the difference in purpose Unlike private businesses, which exist to make a profit, public institutions are designed to create impact - especially social and economic outcomes that benefit everyone, not just paying customers. A public agency doesn't measure its success in revenue or margins, but in how much it improves lives, builds equity and maintains public trust. This doesn't mean budgets and spending don't matter - they absolutely do - but money is not the goal. It's the tool.
World politics
Miscellaneous
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

We have a new role': mayors across the world increasingly taking on society's biggest challenges

Mayors are increasingly frontline leaders, implementing bold local policies on housing, mobility, environment, and culture to address global challenges and political backlash.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
3 weeks ago

Residents to grow food on 'unloved' public land

Hounslow Council launches Right to Grow initiative allowing residents to cultivate food on unused public land, becoming only the second London council to adopt this policy.
fromAxios
2 months ago

Exclusive: Inside Google's push to sell AI to cities

Between the lines: This isn't benevolence. It's customer acquisition. Mayors don't just buy "AI." They buy cloud, data modernization, cybersecurity, services, and long-term support - the tech stack underneath any serious deployment. In return, cities get tools that could fix long-standing challenges, Cris Turner, vice president of government affairs at Google told Axios last June when it first released its playbook.
Artificial intelligence
fromArchDaily
1 month ago

Health, Habitat, and Civic Infrastructure: Designing the City as a National Park

Cities around the world share a common goal: to become healthier and greener, supported by civic infrastructure that restores ecosystems and strengthens public life. The question is how to reach this. Global climate targets, local building codes, and municipal standards increasingly guide designers and planners toward better choices. Still, many cities struggle to translate these frameworks into everyday, street-level comfort and long-term ecological protection.
Environment
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

Can a council do five days' work in four?

South Cambridgeshire District Council adopted a 32-hour, four-day week and reports improved retention, higher applicant numbers, agency savings, and maintained or improved most service metrics.
New York City
fromInc
1 month ago

140 Cities in Maine, L.A.'s Olympic Committee, and NYC: The Urban Tool That's About to Change Everything

MIT researchers created the first complete pedestrian activity model for New York City, revealing movement patterns and crash vulnerabilities, applicable to any U.S. city and enabling better infrastructure funding allocation.
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Tell us: do you live in a Reform run council or mayoral authority?

Reform UK captured over 600 local seats and controls 10 councils, campaigning to cut waste, lower council tax and reform local governance.
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

Council thwarted in bid to axe low-traffic zones

Tower Hamlets Council said in September 2023 it wanted to take down the LTNs and was challenged by Save our Safer Streets (Soss). The court said a failure to reconsult was among the reasons for its decision. Soss said that "thousands of local residents will be extremely pleased and relieved". Tower Hamlets Council, led by mayor Lutfur Rahman, said it was "disappointed" while London's mayor called it "good news for Londoners".
London politics
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