It’s time to reign in eminent domain
“Eminent Domain, in the simplest of terms, allows governments to take private land and use it for public good. I have introduced HB 1696 as a way to provide greater transparency and oversight when private…
Open records push for projects like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline dies in House
“he push to open up records on projects like the Atlantic Coast Pipeline died in the House of Delegates on Thursday. House Bill 1696 was killed in committee on a near-unanimous voice vote. The bill,…
Tax increment financing not bringing in more jobs or income, says analysis
“Tax increment financing (TIF) is a popular but ineffective economic development tool for Hoosier communities, and it needs more stringent state oversight, says a new policy brief from Ball State University. “Some Economic Effects of…
Urban-renewal wars return to Colorado Legislature
“A pair of Colorado state senators filed the first — but not last — attempt of the 2015 legislative session at urban-renewal reform on Wednesday, reviving a year-old debate over whether major changes to…
Eminent Domain Bill Introduced
“An amendment to North Carolina’s state constitution is one of the first bills formally introduced in the new General Assembly session. Lawmakers reconvened Wednesday in Raleigh. State Representative Chuck McGrady from Henderson County is the…
IRS wants to move Hy-Tech case to federal court
“The federal government is seeking to move the civil lawsuit brought by the city of Anderson against Hy-Tech Machining to a federal court. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana filed a motion…
Media Owner Battles Blommer Chocolate Expansion on His Land
“Eychaner has been battling the city’s attempt to seize his property via eminent domain for a decade. The situation began in 2000, when the city created a Planned Manufacturing District near the chocolate plant, in…
Magellan Pipeline Seeks Eminent Domain on Slice of Property
“How much would you pay for a .17-acre piece of land to bury something? Magellan Pipeline Company LP, a subsidiary of Magellan Midstream Partners LP of Tulsa, says it’s willing to chip in $468 for…
City officials learn rules for using TIF funds
“City of Great Falls Commissioners and city staff have started looking into options for a public safety levy specific to Great Falls/Fire Rescue and Commissioner Bob Kelly asked if TIF (tax increment finance) funds could…
Legislation would limit Idaho urban renewal agency authority
“Idaho urban renewal agencies would need city or county approval to use eminent domain or incur long-term debt under two bills pending before the House Local Government Committee. House Bill 18 removes eminent domain authority…