See the latest numbers on those who are "housing cost burdened" (defined as those having to pay more than 30% of income for housing) if you are discussing housing costs in your community.

If your community or state thinks the federal Opportunity Zones program is too complicated to be a real revitalization strategy, see this article on lessons learned in Opportunity Zones in Alabama. Find the link to the article in the right column of the front page.

The state has an organization specifically to take advantage of Opportunity Zones to create a big enough tent to bring in multiple types of investors into projects needed in low-income communities.

When it started, we were very skeptical of the Opportunity Zones approach, in which people and businesses invest their capital gains on projects in a designated Opportunity Zone and skirt paying those obnoxious capital gains taxes immediately. However, I like this locally-based approach tailored to a state's specific needs. But be especially aware of the advice not to try to be all things to all people.

The Community Heart & Soul organization scores again in its great video about reaching hard-to-reach groups, including low-income, high school students, younger kids, and those who don't speak English. This group specializes in smaller and rural communities.

The jury is still out on public acceptance of autonomous vehicles. If your community is toying with permitting them, this is a "must read."

Lastly, you might want to investigate this American Planning Association article about citizen planning academies.

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