What state did for Ohio families with tax revenue is not good enough. High quality childhood education benefits children. The state should spend more budget on child care, home visiting, kinship care, and child support administration.

In recent months, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has started a campaign to pass legislation that would give voters the chance to approve a $3 billion environmental bond act. The \'Restore Mother Nature Bond Act\' is designed to complement New York\'s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by providing funds for the Department of Environmental Conservation and others, to support nature-based projects that mitigate flood risks, restore natural habitats and improve storm resiliency. In this column, the authors examine the background to, and purposes of, the nascent Restore Mother Nature Bond Act. In addition to this, they also discuss constitutional challenges and funding issues associated with the act.

Evaluation of Chicago\'s E-Scooter pilot program testing the viability of electronic scooters as a sustainable, safe and equitable method of transportation for residents. The report evaluates the impact of e-scooters, as an alternative micro mobility mode of transport, in a diverse demographic and geographical area with variations in access to transit or other forms of mobility. The report concludes with policy recommendations to position e-scooters as an integrated part of an equitable, accessible, safe and sustainable transportation network.

\"The following is a framework that seeks to draw out what “prosecutor organizing” looks like with an abolitionist lens. The first section outlines principles to hold us accountable to each other, so that there is shared agreement about what abolition means in organizing around prosecutors. The second section is a resource for organizers looking to put these principles into practice in their local prosecutor organizing campaigns.\"

Seattle Ordinance 126035 (“Clean Campaigns Acts”) related to campaign finance regulations. The ordinance limits contributions to independent expenditure committees (CB 119730); prohibits contributions by foreign-influenced corporations (CB 119731); and requires greater transparency in political advertising (CB 119732).

Green stormwater infrastructure practices produce value beyond stormwater management. Investing in Green Stormwater Infrastructure produces value for communities in the form of specific health benefits, economic benefits, climate benefits, education benefits. Residents win when local infrastructure investments give equal or higher importance to environmental and societal outcomes, rather than solely prioritizing economic outcomes. Municipal leaders can use this guide to inform a holistic, triple-bottom line approach to infrastructure improvements in pursuit of healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.

The San Diego Chapter of the American Planning Association, in partnership with MIG San Diego, recently launched a new program called SDAPA Better Buzz, a quarterly series designed to inspire creative thinking around integrated planning processes. Rather than relying solely on this mandate, planners might want to consider educating developers with examples and case studies about the myriad ways that artists can participate in the development process. Likewise, outreach and education for the arts community about what role they can play in projects may stimulate a dialogue that can yield great results.

America’s traditional economic development policy has raised important questions about equity, especially for new entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and small businesses bring economic stability into communities. To encourage economic development brought, it is imperative that the impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs be considered upfront when evaluating new ordinances and regulations. At the same time, public-private partnerships with established community businesses can help finance new ventures, as can establishing revolving community loan funds.

The infrastructure of childhood is important, including the safe places to play. The COVID-19 crisis brings to light this need that is often overlooked. As leaders at all levels of government and civil society consider how to stem the impact of COVID-19 with equity in mind, expanding access to play so that all kids can have an opportunity to live healthy, vibrant childhoods must be a priority. KABOOM! is partnering with BCPSS to do an analysis of playspace condition across the school system, to target investments toward schools with the greatest infrastructure needs.

Energy is necessary for human survival and prosperity. We rely on energy for many functions that were once considered conveniences but are now integral to the health, economic, and social well-being of individuals, households, and communities in the 21st century. We use energy in countless ways every day: heating and cooling our homes; accessing the internet; powering our computers, cell phones, home appliances, and lights; and increasingly, new uses such as charging cars. Energy is a key contributing factor to the social determinants of health. It is integral to providing a healthy community environment by minimizing air and water pollution, influencing healthier housing conditions, and improving economic prosperity with added clean energy jobs and affordable energy options.