Boulder declared a moratorium on development in a federally designated Opportunity Zone back in December. Here's how the decision has played out so far.
Oscar Perry Abello reports from Boulder, Colorado, the city pressed "pause" on development in a Census tract designated as an Opportunity Zone (a federal program that gives investors tax breaks for making certain investments in the area).
"Uncertain whether the federal program would benefit residents in or near Colorado census tract 122.03, let alone the rest of the city, Boulder City Council temporarily suspended the acceptance of building permits, site review applications and other development applications for many types of projects in the Opportunity Zone," according to Abello.
Specially, the action declared a moratorium on "development that would result in adding non-residential floor area, any demolition that removes multifamily dwelling units or any non-residential floor area, and the creation of any new dwelling units "that do not meet the requirements of the ordinance,'" explains Abello.
Still, Boulder is allowing exemptions to the moratorium, claiming the exemptions reflect the vision established by the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, approved in 2017. Abello explains in a lot more detail the politics surrounding the decision, the exemptions, and the prospects for the Opportunity Zone program in Boulder in the future.
FULL STORY: Boulder Presses Pause on Some Opportunity Zone Development
Sweeping Building Moratorium Issued in Response to Potential Opportunity Zone Investments
From opportunity zone to 'opportunity-free zone.'
Edmonton Considering Sprawl Control Measures
Under a proposed standard, developing neighborhoods in Edmonton would be required to fully build out infrastructure and community facilities, like retail and amenities, before the city approves additional development.
Atlanta Advances Automobile Alternatives; Parking Minimums Persist
The Atlanta City Council passed a pair of ordinances recently to improve conditions for modes other than cars, but a proposal to remove parking requirements for development around the Atlanta Beltline are in limbo.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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.
