City councils
Visalia City Council members stood firm against a proposal to develop 80 acres of agricultural land for a proposed subdivision, citing concerns over traffic congestion and the impact on the area's agricultural character. The council voted 4-0 to deny the request by Centex Homes to change the city&
City councils
Council workers have been instructed to refrain from using colloquialisms and terms of endearment such as "pet" and "hinny" when addressing women, following a course on politically correct language. The decision has been met with resistance from locals and some Geordie language advocates, who argue that
City councils
Residents of the North East region in England have expressed dismay over a recent decision by Newcastle City Council to ban traditional phrases such as 'pet', 'hinny', and 'love' in an effort to avoid offending women. According to reports, council workers have been warned
City councils
The proposal, backed by majority council members, includes cutting $50,000 from federal Community Development Block Grants for social services and $150,000 for infrastructure supporting such services. This cut would have a substantial impact on local nonprofit agencies, with many relying on these funds to operate and provide essential
City councils
The Grand Forks City Council is contemplating diverting $200,000 from federal Community Development Block Grants to help low-income homeowners with special assessments for streets and sidewalks. This proposal, championed by Council President Hal Gershman, aims to encourage nonprofits to share offices and expenses, which could potentially lead to consolidation.
City councils
Wood Dale aldermen have agreed that they need to ask voters to approve a 1 percent sales tax increase during the November 7 election to maintain city services, but they are still deciding how to word the referendum question. The discussion was tabled until the next council meeting on August
City councils
The Belfast City Council has chosen not to hold a referendum on big-box stores, citing the community's divisions and the retail review commission's ongoing work. This decision comes after three previous referendums on the issue, with results that were equally divided among the community. The council&
City councils
The Chicago city council recently approved an ordinance that requires large retailers in the city to pay their employees a living wage. The law, which is set to become the first of its type in the nation, would raise pay for tens of thousands of workers at retailers such as
City councils
A proposed minimum-wage law in Chicago is set to target big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Home Depot, marking a new stage in the debate over the social impact of these retailers. The law, backed by a coalition of anti-poverty, religious, and union groups, would set a $9.25
City councils
The Cedar Falls City Council is set to vote on a new overlay district to regulate development along the city's southern border, effectively ending the Highway 20 re-zoning moratorium. The new ordinance will pattern zoning requirements similar to the Highway Commercial District, used along Highway 58 for sites
City councils
Residents of Rochester are coming together to support key initiatives in their community, from addressing sex offender transitional housing to promoting early childhood education. The city council's consideration of a moratorium on sex offender housing development highlights the need for proper zoning rules. Meanwhile, the successful fund drive
City councils
Allegheny County Council is gearing up to introduce a comprehensive smoking ban for most indoor workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and gaming facilities, with the majority of council members sponsoring the bill. The proposal comes on the heels of a report by the U.S. surgeon general stating that all exposure
