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Worcester County Renews $108,400 Lobbyist Contract to Advance Legislative Priorities

Worcester County Renews $108,400 Lobbyist Contract to Advance Legislative Priorities

Worcester County officials have unanimously approved the renewal of a $108,400 contract with R&R Solutions LLC, a lobbying firm. This renewal secures the firm's services for another 12 months, maintaining the same annual cost as its initial year. The decision was made during a consent agenda without discussion, following a motion by Commissioner Caryn Abbott, seconded by Commissioner Chip Bertino. R&R Solutions LLC is tasked with advancing the county's legislative priorities, which include the widening of Route 90, opposition to offshore wind development, and the preservation of local control over county affairs. The firm, launched in 2024 by Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Ryan Snow, provides comprehensive lobbying, consulting, and grant writing services. Haddaway-Riccio is a former Maryland natural resources secretary and Eastern Shore delegate, while Snow served as Governor Larry Hogan’s director of intergovernmental affairs. The county had previously engaged State and Local Advisors for lobbying services a...
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Representative Westerman Champions Veteran Owner-Builders Rights Act to Enhance Veteran Housing Opportunities

Representative Westerman Champions Veteran Owner-Builders Rights Act to Enhance Veteran Housing Opportunities

Representative Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas) has co-sponsored the Veteran Owner-Builders Rights Act, a bill designed to provide military veterans with greater access to affordable and reliable housing. This legislation introduces an innovative pilot program that will work with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer direct, low-interest loans at a one percent rate. These loans are intended to help veterans purchase land and construct their own homes. Representative Westerman emphasized that the bill aligns with his commitments to supporting the forestry industry and honoring veterans. He highlighted the direct correlation between veterans' well-being and reliable housing, noting that high construction costs and interest rates often hinder veterans from achieving homeownership.
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Summit County to Host Community Forum on Workforce Housing Challenges

Summit County to Host Community Forum on Workforce Housing Challenges

Summit County is set to host a free community forum on Tuesday, November 17, to address the persistent challenges of workforce housing. The event, organized by the Summit County Housing Authority, will bring together local workers, business leaders, and housing officials. The discussion, part of the county's Housing Speaker Series, aims to explore affordability issues and potential solutions. The forum will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Richins Building in Park City. This initiative follows the County Council's approval of a strategic plan in August, which targets the facilitation of 1,500 deed-restricted affordable housing units over the next decade. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that approximately 63% of Summit County's workforce commutes from outside the county, highlighting the severity of the housing shortage. Recent reports also show that the median home sale price in Summit County was around $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2026, making homeownership unaffordable for 97% ...
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The California Gold Rush Museums Where You Can Explore Real Historic Mines

The California Gold Rush Museums Where You Can Explore Real Historic Mines

California's Gold Country, a region steeped in the history of the 19th-century gold rush, is home to a fascinating array of museums that preserve t...
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New Mexico Proposes Co-Pays for High-Earning Families in Universal Childcare Program Amid Economic Conditions

New Mexico Proposes Co-Pays for High-Earning Families in Universal Childcare Program Amid Economic Conditions

New Mexico is considering implementing co-pays for high-earning families utilizing its universal childcare program. This proposal stems from current economic conditions, which necessitate adjustments to the program's funding and structure. The state's universal childcare initiative aims to provide accessible and affordable care for all families, but the introduction of co-pays for those with higher incomes would mark a shift in its financial model. This move is intended to ensure the program's sustainability while still supporting families most in need. The specifics of what constitutes a 'high-earning family' and the co-pay structure are still under discussion, but the core idea is to create a more tiered system of financial contribution based on household income.
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Senator Hoeven Leads Roundtable on Rural Health Transformation and Long-Term Care in North Dakota

Senator Hoeven Leads Roundtable on Rural Health Transformation and Long-Term Care in North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven recently led a roundtable discussion in Bismarck, North Dakota, focusing on the Rural Health Transformation Program and Long Term Care. Secretary Kennedy participated in the discussion, alongside Senator Kevin Cramer and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak. The primary topics included strategies for bringing affordable healthcare to rural communities and easing regulatory burdens for nursing homes and American seniors. The discussion highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural areas in accessing quality healthcare services and the need for innovative solutions to address these disparities. Secretary Kennedy emphasized the administration's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability in underserved regions, as well as simplifying regulations that impact long-term care facilities.
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Indiana Governor Mike Braun Launches 'Victory Gardens' Initiative to Boost Housing Affordability in Fort Wayne

Indiana Governor Mike Braun Launches 'Victory Gardens' Initiative to Boost Housing Affordability in Fort Wayne

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has initiated the 'Victory Gardens' community project in Fort Wayne, aiming to increase housing affordability and availability for the state's workforce, particularly first-time homebuyers. This new development, supported by a $1.09 million investment from the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), will feature 74 owner-occupied homes. The community will offer a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and zero-lot-line units at competitive prices. The Realtist Association of Northeast Indiana will provide a six-month homeownership preparedness program for prospective buyers, covering topics such as credit repair, mortgage options, and homeowners' insurance. Governor Braun emphasized that affordable housing is a critical concern for professionals and families, and this investment is designed to provide housing options for Hoosiers at all life stages.
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Fresno Homeless Advocates Question Effectiveness of Mayor Jerry Dyer's HART Program

Fresno Homeless Advocates Question Effectiveness of Mayor Jerry Dyer's HART Program

Four years after its launch, Fresno-area housing advocates are questioning the effectiveness of Mayor Jerry Dyer's Homeless Assistance Response Team (HART). Introduced in 2022, HART was intended to shift the city's approach to homelessness from enforcement to outreach, connecting unhoused individuals with services and shelter. However, advocates argue that the city has failed to deliver on this promise, asserting that policies have only changed on paper, with little practical difference. Critics, including longtime housing advocate Brandi Nuse-Villegas, claim that HART uses excessive force, discards belongings, and frequently violates its own policies to reduce encampment numbers. Despite these criticisms, the city is expanding HART, adding a second team to provide seven-day-a-week coverage, citing its role in providing resources to vulnerable residents.
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green Designates New Opportunity Zones in Hilo and Kona

Hawaii Governor Josh Green Designates New Opportunity Zones in Hilo and Kona

Hawaii Governor Josh Green Designates New Opportunity Zones in Hilo and Kona
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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and UG Mayor Christal Watson Finalize STAR Bond District Agreement for Kansas City Chiefs Stadium

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and UG Mayor Christal Watson Finalize STAR Bond District Agreement for Kansas City Chiefs Stadium

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and UG Mayor Christal Watson Finalize STAR Bond District Agreement for Kansas City Chiefs Stadium
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Mapleton, Minnesota, Pioneers Local Government Investment Model for Childcare Infrastructure

Mapleton, Minnesota, Pioneers Local Government Investment Model for Childcare Infrastructure

The city of Mapleton, Minnesota, is implementing a novel approach to address childcare shortages by having the local government invest in childcare facilities. This model, championed by Jeff Andrews, CEO of Business of Child Care, treats childcare infrastructure similarly to roads and utilities. Brooke Garvey, a childcare provider in Mapleton, operates a daycare called Tiny Roots out of a house purchased by the local government. This arrangement allowed Garvey to open an in-home daycare, as her personal residence did not meet the necessary requirements for childcare operations. The city's investment enables providers to customize spaces to fit the needs of children, thereby expanding access to childcare for families in the community. The local Economic Development Authority (EDA) in Mapleton has also raised funds to offset Garvey's rent for the initial three years, further supporting the new model.
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Hawaii Designates 25 Opportunity Zones, Including Four on Big Island, to Spur Investment

Hawaii Designates 25 Opportunity Zones, Including Four on Big Island, to Spur Investment

Hawaii Designates 25 Opportunity Zones, Including Four on Big Island, to Spur Investment