Gig Economy & Technology
BOSTON—City Deploys Sensors to Combat Rat Infestations
Boston officials announced the implementation of a new rodent-tracking sensor system throughout the city to provide data on hotspots and measure the effectiveness of control efforts, building on the Boston Rodent Action Plan and complementing existing waste-management measures.
Housing & Real Estate
BALTIMORE—Housing Bills Ignite Debate Over Zoning, Affordability
Baltimore’s Planning Commission held a packed meeting to discuss the Housing Options and Opportunity Package, with updates including a proposed bill to eliminate parking mandates and ongoing debate over converting single-family homes into multi-family units.
CHICAGO—HUD Dismisses Civil Rights, Fair Housing Cases
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) and local advocates are criticizing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) decision to drop two major civil rights cases in Chicago, which they criticized as a retreat from federal responsibility. They vowed to continue pushing for reforms to address segregation, environmental injustice, and housing inequality without HUD’s support.
LOS ANGELES—Short-Term Home Rentals Are Dropping
Short-term home rentals in Los Angeles are declining as hosts shift to mid- and long-term stays due to increasing regulations, fines, and the threat of stricter enforcement under the City's Home Sharing Ordinance. While some homeowners find longer rentals less profitable, they prefer the reduced hassle and legal risk.
NEW YORK CITY—Council Approves Midtown South Rezoning
The New York City Council approved a rezoning plan for 42 blocks in Midtown South, also known as the Garment District, to allow more than 9,500 new housing units, about a third of which will be permanently affordable. The plan targets vacant office space to help address the City’s housing shortage and advances Mayor Eric Adams’ (D) “City of Yes” initiative.
RICHMOND—City Commits $9M to Housing Development, Repairs
The City of Richmond awarded Affordable Housing Trust Fund grants to eight projects totaling nearly 600 units and allocated $2.2 million for home rehabilitation, with Mayor Danny Avula (D) emphasizing a dual focus on new construction and preservation.
SAN DIEGO—City Launches Housing Unit to Address Substandard Conditions, Code Violations
San Diego launched a Housing Protection and Civil Code Compliance Unit to target substandard housing conditions and ongoing code violations. The unit will enforce tenant protections, pursue legal action against repeat offenders, and work with City departments to improve housing safety and stability.
Labor & Employment
PHILADELPHIA—PFT Ready to Strike Over Stalled Contract Talks
With their contract expiring August 31, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) leaders say they are ready to strike after Labor Day unless the school district makes progress on demands such as higher pay, better leave policies, and more support for special education and paraprofessionals.
TWIN CITIES—Teachers Union, School District Reach Tentative Agreement
St. Paul Public Schools and the teachers union reached a tentative two-year contract agreement, the first before the school year in 20 years. Both sides praised the collaborative effort, saying it allows them to focus on students and classrooms as the new year begins.
Policy & Politics
LOS ANGELES—Immigration Raids Help Stir a Political Reversal for Mayor Bass
Mayor Karen Bass (D) has emerged as a leading voice against the Trump administration’s immigration raids in Los Angeles, gaining political support after previously facing criticism for her wildfire response. While her opposition has rallied immigrant communities and stalled a recall effort, challenges remain as she prepares for re-election.
NEW YORK CITY—Council Advances Wide-Ranging Legislative Agenda
At its most recent stated meeting, the New York City Council introduced and advanced legislation focused on housing, transparency, worker protections, and public health, including measures for paid leave, preventive care access, and public reporting of federal funds.
PHILADELPHIA—City Offers Support for Small Businesses as Tax Exemption is Phased Out
Philadelphia is supporting small businesses through flexible payment plans, free tax assistance, and access to grants as it phases out a longstanding business tax exemption to comply with legal standards.
SEATTLE—Progressive Democrat Wilson Leads Harrell After Primary Upset
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell trails progressive challenger Katie Wilson after the primary, as concerns over affordability and anti-incumbent sentiment reshape the race ahead of November’s election.
Public Health & Safety
BALTIMORE—City Accepts Reduced $152M Opioid Settlement, Advances Overdose Response Plan
Baltimore City officials agreed to a reduced $152 million jury award in opioid litigation and are implementing an executive order to guide spending through a dedicated restitution fund and strategic plan focused on prevention, treatment, and community input.
SEATTLE—Council Advances CCTV Expansion Despite Privacy Concerns
Seattle’s Public Safety Committee unanimously approved the expansion of CCTV surveillance and police access to traffic camera footage, advancing two bills to a final Council vote despite ongoing public opposition over privacy and federal access.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—City Files Lawsuit Over Federal Control of Police, Immigration Enforcement
In response to the Trump administration’s expanded federal oversight of D.C. police and push for full cooperation with immigration enforcement, the Bowser administration filed a legal challenge, maintained its existing local policies, and emphasized the importance of preserving the City’s limited self-governance.
Taxes & Spending
BALTIMORE—Council Considers Permanently Taxing Vacant Lots
A new bill introduced in the Baltimore City Council would impose a permanent fourfold property tax on vacant lots starting July 2026, expanding last year’s legislation, which taxed only vacant structures and had been limited by state jurisdiction until recently.
CHICAGO—Mayor Johnson Rules Out Proposed $1.5B Corporate Payroll Tax
Although Mayor Johnson remains interested in reviving a smaller corporate head tax, he has ruled out a proposed $1.5 billion corporate payroll tax, as City officials determined it exceeds Chicago’s current taxing authority and would require state approval.
TWIN CITIES—Mayor Frey Proposes 7.8% Property Tax Levy Increase
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) proposed a 7.8% property tax levy increase for 2026 to fund City services without layoffs or major cuts, part of his proposed $2 billion budget plan.. The City Council will review and amend the proposal, with a balanced budget required by year-end.
Transportation & Mobility
PHILADELPHIA—Employers Brace for SEPTA Cuts Amid Evolving Hybrid Work Policies
As SEPTA prepares for service reductions due to stalled state budget negotiations, major employers and City officials are urging flexibility in workplace arrangements and encouraging staff to coordinate with managers to adapt commuting plans.
SAN DIEGO—SANDAG Launches Zero-Emission Transportation Program
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) launched Southeastern Connect, a four-year, zero-emission, on-demand transportation service in Southeast San Diego neighborhoods. Funded by federal, state, and local sources, the service aims to improve access to essential destinations such as hospitals, schools, and job centers, while promoting cleaner, more equitable transit options for underserved communities.
TWIN CITIES—Metro Transit Expands Service as Other Cities Cut Back
Metro Transit is expanding service across the Twin Cities, adding more frequent buses on 16 key routes, restoring two express lines, and launching its Micro on-demand service in Bloomington and Blaine. Supported by a dedicated regional sales tax, the 5% increase in service highlights the agency’s strong financial footing.
