Podcasts about Planning Commission

Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blunt joined The Charlie James Show to discuss the ongoing lawsuit regarding the Owens Glen housing development. The 118-acre, 300-home development was initially approved by the Planning Commission, but neighbor and Councilman Bradley discovered the adjacent road was only 15 feet wide. Backed by a petition signed by 1,000 residents concerned about traffic and emergency service safety, the project was sent back to the Planning Commission, which subsequently denied it. Blunt explained that state laws complicate development decisions in Greenville County, but emphasized the council's focus on ensuring adequate infrastructure is in place before allowing major projects to proceed.

During the second hour of The Charlie James Show, host Charlie James addresses a mix of local governance, legislative actions, and national political ideology. The program features Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blunt, who explains that a proposed 300-home housing development was blocked by the Planning Commission due to severe road safety concerns raised by local residents. James also discusses a newly passed House bill that would make daylight saving time permanent, taking various calls and texts from listeners weighing the pros and cons of shifting the clocks. Turning to fiscal matters, Sam Ervin of the South Carolina Policy Council joins the show to discuss why the state has yet to pass a budget, noting that the delay actually benefits taxpayers by saving roughly $1 billion in general funds. Finally, James plays clips from organizers within the Democratic Socialists of America, heavily criticizing the organization's newly released political platform as openly seditious and treasonous against the United States government.

The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting held on July 13, 2026, focused primarily on a zoning appeal for 6548 Sutter Avenue, alongside discussions regarding a deck legalization at Kikub Court and improvements to the county's design review process. 6548 Sutter Avenue Zoning Appeal The central item was a continued hearing from May 11, 2026, regarding a parcel map request and an appeal by neighbors. Staff addressed three specific concerns raised at the previous meeting: Road Maintenance Agreement (RMA): Staff clarified that if neighbors cannot agree on a new RMA, California Civil Code section 845 provides a framework where maintenance costs are shared proportionally. The Sacramento Metro Fire District (SFMD) will enforce road access but not cost-sharing, which remains a civil matter. Construction Staging: While a special condition for on-site construction staging was drafted to prevent blocking the private road, the Commission ultimately decided not to include it, noting that blocking emergency access is already prohibited by existing law. Semi-Rural Character: Staff determined the project is consistent with the Carmichael Action Plan's semi-rural residential definition, as the resulting parcels exceed minimum lot area requirements and allow for open space. Public Testimony and Deliberation: Appellants expressed concerns over increased traffic, the validity of existing private agreements, and unresolved code violations, specifically a recently erected six-foot solid fence. The applicant, Mr. Wong, testified that he has worked to remedy weed abatement issues and applied for a permit for the fence after neighbor complaints. The Commission also discussed a requirement that the applicant either construct an ADU to establish a primary use for the existing pool or remove the pool entirely to comply with zoning codes. Outcome: The Commission voted to deny the appeal and uphold the project approval. The motion included a new condition requiring the applicant to fix the fence violation and amended language for the fire access agreement. Other Meeting Items 3610 Kikub Court Deck: The Commission reviewed a request to legalize an existing deck and gazebo located within a 20-foot erosion zone setback. Staff noted that removing the structure would be a significant financial and structural burden and that similar encroachments exist on neighboring lots. Design Review Streamlining: Staff proposed changes to the Design Review Administrator (DRA) process to reduce duplicative efforts and increase efficiency. The Commission supported these changes, viewing them as a way to reduce bureaucracy and help meet "shot clock" requirements for housing projects. The item passed with a 4-0 vote. Announcements: The Planning Director announced that the next scheduled meeting would be cancelled.

City of Midland, MI | Regular Meeting Planning Commission | July 14, 2026This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

This week, Scott looks at the Knox County school board's budget cuts and mild rebuke of County Commission, along with the Planning Commission's further delay of proposed apartments at the Kerbela Temple site. Also: City Council establishes a North Waterfront Improvement District and passes a one-year moratorium on new data centers. Plus, some questions about County Commission candidate Justin Cofer's work history. Scott looks ahead this week to the start of early voting in the Aug. 6 election, and a few related candidate forums. This is a free service of CompassKnox.com

Williamson County Planning Commission Meeting - July 9, 2026. Tune in to this month's Williamson County Planning Commission meeting.

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This week, Scott and Jesse look at Knox County Schools' plan to cut nearly $8 million from its budget, including by eliminating teaching positions. They also discuss the University of Tennessee's $1.9 million settlement with fired Professor Tamar Shirinian; the creation of new three-year degree programs at UT; and Republican outrage over Democratic county mayor candidate Beau Hawk's past visit to Venezuela.    Looking ahead, they preview this week's school board, City Council, and Planning Commission meetings.

Abraham Hamra, Attorney & Syrian Jewish Ex-Refugee, joins Sid to discuss the nonsense he endured the other day while being confirmed to Bruce Blakeman & Nassau County's Planning Commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

06/24/26 Planning Commission by City of Lawrence

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The term ‘polycrisis' denotes a scenario where multiple crises occur at the same time. A new book titled ‘India Out of Work: Rethinking India's Growth Story', written by two economists, Santosh Mehrotra and Jajati Parida, argues that India is facing a polycrisis -- a structural economic crisis, an employment crisis, and the education system crisis, and looming overall of all of these, a potential demographic crisis. How did India land up in a polycrisis and what is the way out? Guest: Santosh Mehrotra, a professor of economics who has worked with the Planning Commission and the United Nations Host: G Sampath, Social Affairs Editor, The Hindu Producer and editor: Jude Weston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting on June 22, 2026, primarily focused on an appeal regarding a temporary use permit for an equestrian facility and updates on significant countywide planning projects. Planning Director's Report Director Smith provided several key updates regarding recent Board of Supervisors actions and upcoming agendas: Major Project Approvals: The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Upper West Side Specific Plan and the Crowing Fowl Ordinance on June 16, 2026. The county is now working with Code Enforcement and Animal Care on an enforcement plan for problematic properties under the new rooster regulations. New Public Participation Rules: Starting July 13, the commission will begin accepting public speakers via Zoom in compliance with new legislative requirements. El Frenito Horse Training Facility Appeal The central item of the meeting was an appeal by the El Frenito horse training facility located on Renke Road. The owners sought to overturn the denial of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to host events in 2026. Staff Recommendation for Denial: Planning staff and the Zoning Administrator recommended upholding the denial based on a significant history of non-compliance during the previous two years of permitted events. Key violations cited included: Unpermitted Events: Evidence from Facebook advertisements and alcohol license records showed events occurring on dates not authorized by the TUP. Lack of Licensing: The business failed to obtain a required business license for its primary operations. Safety and Community Impacts: Neighbors reported issues with noise, trash, speeding, and public intoxication. Additionally, the owners failed to provide mandatory prior notifications to the Sheriff's Department before events. Lack of Engagement: The property owners failed to attend a follow-up meeting with the District Attorney's office to address these ongoing public nuisance concerns. Applicant's Argument: The property owners and their new representative (a real estate agent) argued that the previous non-compliance was due to language barriers and the actions of a former associate who had been "taking advantage" of them. They testified that: They are experienced business owners who run a successful restaurant franchise and were now committed to following all laws. The facility is intended for traditional horse training and cultural rodeo events rather than large-scale commercial concerts. They were unaware of some meetings and specific licensing requirements due to poor communication from their previous representative. Commission Deliberation and Decision: Commissioners expressed sympathy regarding the language barriers but emphasized that the ultimate responsibility for compliance rests with the property owners. While some members initially considered granting the permit with strict conditions—such as a reduced number of events, a mandatory parking plan, and security requirements—the majority felt the history of violations was too significant to ignore. The Commission voted to deny the appeal, upholding the denial of the 2026 TUP. However, they modified the final written findings to include "non-prejudicial" language. This ensures that the denial does not automatically jeopardize future applications, such as a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a permanent event center, provided the owners can demonstrate a record of compliance moving forward. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

06/22/26 Planning Commission by City of Lawrence

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A long line of Nashville residents spoke at last week's Planning Commission meeting to voice their support for CM Rollin Horton's data center regulation bill, which will be up for second reading at council on July 7. But what's in the legislation? Would it stop the proposed centers at the Nashville Zoo and Fisk University? Why can't we just ban data centers entirely? Horton joins Marie Cecile Anderson to explain. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 15th episode: Window Nation Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Nashville Predators Greater Birmingham CVB Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Williamson County Planning Commission Meeting - June 11, 2026. Tune in to this month's Williamson County Planning Commission meeting.

The land near Pleasure House Point Natural Area was once eyed for a larger apartment project.

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting on June 8, 2026, focused on approving development projects in the Vineyard community, a new disguised wireless facility in Rio Linda, and a comprehensive, decade-in-the-making update to the county's zoning code.   Development and Land Use Approvals The Commission quickly approved two non-contested items in the Vineyard community: Morabi Singh Subdivision: A vesting map and rezone for a property at 9494 Florin Road. The project included minor condition revisions related to public utility easements with SMUD. The Chair noted the project's proximity to a future school site at Dawn and Brendan Natoli Park. Carly Mine Amendment: A use permit and reclamation plan amendment to allow mining on an additional 11 acres at 6875 Eagle's Nest Road. Both Vineyard items passed unanimously without public comment. AT&T Wireless Communication Facility The Commission approved a conditional use permit for a new wireless facility at 8040 16th Street in the Rio Linda/Elverta community. Design and Aesthetics: To address community concerns about aesthetics, the 55-foot cell tower is disguised as a water tank made of reinforced fiber plastic (RFP) to allow signal transparency. Coverage and Capacity: The tower fills a significant coverage gap and includes "FirstNet" capabilities for first responders. While the current design accommodates two carriers, staff noted that by right, the applicant could increase the height by up to 20 feet in the future to allow for more collocation. Public Feedback: While the local Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC) supported the project, some residents expressed concerns about the tower's proximity to their homes and its visual impact. 2023 Zoning Code Update A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recommending a massive update to Chapters 1-7 of the Sacramento County Zoning Code. This update, the most substantial since 2015, includes 134 amendments based on a decade of stakeholder feedback.   Key Changes Include: Residential Improvements: Increasing the allowed height for accessory structures (like boat or RV storage) to 24 feet and modernizing "home occupation" rules to account for contemporary "side hustles." Business Streamlining: Reducing barriers for small tutoring/testing centers, permitting arcades by right, and renaming tattoo shops to "body art facilities" with lower hearing body requirements. Temporary Uses: Expanding allowances for food trucks on private property and allowing large shopping centers (15+ acres) to host temporary events for up to 30 days per year. Agricultural Support: Allowing commercial vehicle storage on agricultural sites of at least 20 acres to support farm operations. State Mandates: Implementing "express processing" for state and federal mandates (such as housing and ADU laws) to bypass lengthy CPAC reviews while still providing advanced public notice. Commissioners emphasized the need for balanced enforcement, particularly regarding mobile food vendors and home-based "microenterprise" kitchens, to ensure they do not unfairly disadvantage traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants.   Director's Report and Future Items Planning Director Todd Smith highlighted several upcoming high-profile items: Crowing Fowl Ordinance: Moving to the Board of Supervisors following collaborative meetings with the Hmong community. Upper Westside Specific Plan: Scheduled for a major Board hearing on June 16, 2026. Upcoming Appeals: Future agendas will include appeals regarding a temporary use permit denial and the Ezaron parcel map. The meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

This week, Scott and Jesse talk about the school board's wrangling over book bans in the wake of the removal and return of "Roots" to library shelves. They also look at the largest donor gift in University of Tennessee history (with a familiar name attached), the state Republican Party moving to weigh in on the Knox County sheriff's race, and County Commission's discussion of the 2026-27 budget. Looking ahead, they preview meetings of City Council and the Planning Commission, which will again take up the proposed development on the Kerbela Temple site. Support Scott and Jesse by TEXTING this FREE service of CompassKnox.com to that friend that is always asking you what's going on!  

Clark County is revising its 20-year Comprehensive Growth Management Plan, with the County Council and Planning Commission holding a series of work sessions from June through July. Topics span land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities, and school and fire district impact fees. Sessions are open to the public in hybrid format at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, with written testimony accepted at any time. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-planning-commission-to-hold-work-sessions-on-comprehensive-plan-update/ #ClarkCounty #ComprehensivePlan #GrowthManagement #LandUse #Vancouver #WashingtonState #PlanningCommission #CountyCouncil #CommunityPlanning #PublicMeeting ---

On this episode of the Natasha Helfer Podcast, Mike Christensen joines to share his experience at BYU and as a single adult in "Mormon-dom." Mike holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography from Brigham Young University, a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science from Northwest Missouri State University, an Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from the University of Utah, and a Master of City and Metropolitan Planning from the University of Utah. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the Congress for the New Urbanism, Strong Towns, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, and the national Rail Passengers Association, and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and accredited by the Congress for the New Urbanism. He currently serves on the board of the Utah chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanismand on the board of the national Rail Passengers Association. Mike wrapped up a four-year term on Salt Lake City's Planning Commission in September and spent one of those years as vice-chair and another as chair of the commission. Upon finishing grad school in 2018, Mike founded the nonprofit Utah Rail Passengers Association in order to advocate for expanding intercity passenger rail across Utah and into neighboring states and has served as its executive director ever since. He has become an expert on the failed policies propping up the "American Dream" of the 20th century and is trying to devote his life to fixing the damage that has been done to our communities by decades of investing in the wrong infrastructure. Mike ditched his car in 2017 and walks, bikes, and rides transit to get everywhere. But Mike is here for a different reason. He has inside knowledge of how the Church Education System enforces the Honor Code and is here to share.     To help keep this podcast going, please consider donating at natashahelfer.com and share this episode. To watch the video of this podcast, you can subscribe to Natasha's channel on Youtube and follow her professional Facebook page at natashahelfer LCMFT, CST-S. You can find all her cool resources at natashahelfer.com.  The information shared on this program is informational and should not be considered therapy. This podcast addresses many topics around mental health and sexuality and may not be suitable for minors. Some topics may elicit a trigger or emotional response so please care for yourself accordingly. The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or feelings of Natasha Helfer or the Natasha Helfer Podcast. We provide a platform for open and diverse discussions, and it is important to recognize that different perspectives may be shared. We encourage our listeners to engage in critical thinking and form their own opinions. The intro and outro music for these episodes is by Otter Creek. Thank you for listening. And remember: Symmetry is now offering Ketamine services. To find out more, go to symcounseling.com/ketamine-services. There are also several upcoming workshops. Visit natashahelfer.com or symcounseling.com to find out more.

The proposal comes after a Planning Commission letter noted current zoning allows data centers in industrial areas.

05/27/26 Planning Commission by City of Lawrence

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov.

The commission's chairperson wrote a letter recommending a briefing for City Council and a potential change to the zoning code.

Can hundreds of acres of abandoned industrial land on a neglected section of Cleveland's East Side become an economic engine, providing accessible jobs where employees can walk or bike to work on new multipurpose trails. That's the strategy behind the Midline, an ambitious redevelopment project announced this week. From aspirational development to unwanted development, namely a data center in Slavic Village. Cleveland denied a permit for what would have been the largest hyperscale data center in the city, on 35 acres in the Slavic Village neighborhood. Cleveland joins a number of communities where data centers are being protested or rejected. It's an issue state lawmakers are paying attention to. A new bi-partisan committee of the legislature will focus on data centers as public concerns grow around the mega sites' use of energy, and the data industry pushes back. Cleveland's Planning Commission will get a look Friday at a new plan for University Circle that looks to make the area known as Cleveland "second Downtown" more accessible and safer for pedestrians and motorists alike. Sherwin-Williams finally cut the ribbon this week on its towering new headquarters in Downtown Cleveland. The building is the fourth-tallest building in the city and the sixth tallest in Ohio. The company announced plans for a new headquarters in 2019 and for a brief time considered moving out of state. The opening was slowed by construction delays. The Tenth District Court of Appeals in Columbus will decide whether using public education money for private school vouchers violates the state constitution. A three-judge panel heard arguments this week in a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a coalition representing more than half of the state's school districts. The monitor overseeing the U.S. Justice Department's consent decree with Cleveland meant to improve policing offered an 11-point plan to get Cleveland in compliance with the federal decree. Last week, just after we finished this show, a federal judge rejected the city's bid to exit the 11-year-old consent decree, saying more work was needed to reach compliance. These stories and more will be part of this week's discussion the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable. Guests: -Abbey Marshall, Local Government Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Matt Richmond, Criminal Justice Reporter, Ideastream Public Media -Karen Kasler, Bureau Chief, Ideastream Statehouse News Bureau

Williamson County Planning Commission Meeting - May 14, 2026. Tune in to this month's Williamson County Planning Commission meeting.

05/13/26 Planning Commission Mid Month by City of Lawrence

City of Midland | Regular Planning Commission Meeting | May 12, 2026This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

The Sacramento County Planning Commission meeting covered multiple items: reinstating an automobile repair use at 7128 Kingsley Street, review and recommendations on the FY26-27 Capital Improvement Program, the Vineyard South Mine Expansion (adding 86 acres and extending mining), a continuance request for Gutierrez Properties rezone and parcel map, and a contested Gutierrez Tentative Parcel Map involving private road access, a road maintenance agreement, and neighborhood preservation concerns. Commissioners discussed environmental analyses, conditions for approvals, and scheduling; the Gutierrez appeal was continued to July 13 for further review.

City of Midland | Regular Meeting of City Council | May 11, 2026This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

This week: Scott and Jessee look back at a very interesting Knox County Primary, breakdown the County wide re-appraisals, dig in to the special called session in Nashville and look over the plans for the new 'entertainment district' on UT's campus near Neyland Stadium.  Also: The guys look ahead to ANOTHER busy week for the Knox area civic calander; County budget, meetings of the County Commoission Finance Commitee, City Council, and Planning Commission.  Follw this podcat to get it downloaded directlly to your phone every week, and share this Free service of CompassKnox.com to support Scott and Jesse's stellar work. 

The 3-2 County Council vote Tuesday approved the Planning Commission's preferred alternative for Clark County's 2045 Comprehensive Plan, setting up a growth-oriented path that preserves expansion options for cities like Ridgefield while drawing sharp opposition over farmland protection concerns. Councilors Matt Little, Glen Yung, and Michelle Belkot voted yes, while Wil Fuentes and Sue Marshall voted no, citing existing urban capacity and sprawl risks. The decision affects 840 affordable housing units, 1,261 jobs, and urban growth area expansions across multiple Clark County cities. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/county-council-approves-preferred-alternative-for-the-countys-2045-comprehensive-plan-update/ #ClarkCounty #ComprehensivePlan #UrbanGrowth #Planning #Housing #Farmland #Development #GrowthManagement #Politics

I have a rotten phlegmy cold so no news and clips today but I do have a great first time guest!  Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Shannon Minter is the Vice President of Legal (Legal Director)  Over his more than 30 years at NCLR, Shannon Minter has led impact litigation, legislative, and public policy efforts. He has filed multiple lawsuits challenging a range of Trump administration anti-transgender executive orders. He is one of the nation's foremost experts on conversion therapy, helping to draft and pass legislation in states to protect LGBTQ youth and support survivors. He served as lead counsel in the landmark California marriage equality case, and he led NCLR's contributions to multiple Supreme Court cases, such as Pavan v. Smith, Obergefell v. Hodges, and Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. An appointee to President Obama's Commission on White House Fellowships, Shannon was one of the most senior transgender appointees in the Obama administration. He has taught law at UCLA, Stanford, Golden Gate University, and Santa Clara University. Shannon is currently counsel in six cases challenging the Trump administration's anti-transgender policies, including Talbott v. Trump, which seeks to restore the right of transgender Americans to serve openly in the armed forces. His work challenging anti-transgender military policies spans nearly a decade — he previously challenged the 2017 transgender military ban under the first Trump administration, and co-chaired the Planning Commission on Transgender Military Service, which produced a comprehensive study demonstrating that inclusive service policies are both administratively feasible and militarily beneficial. Shannon has been at the forefront of efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth from conversion therapy. He founded NCLR's Born Perfect project, a national campaign to end conversion therapy through legislation, litigation, and public education. He has helped draft laws protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy across the country and continues to advocate for legal remedies to hold practitioners accountable for the harm they cause, including through malpractice, consumer fraud claims, and professional licensing sanctions. Shannon was lead counsel for same-sex couples in the landmark California marriage equality case, which was the first state supreme court decision to hold that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry and that laws discriminating based on sexual orientation are subject to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny. He was also counsel for married same-sex couples from Tennessee in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing marriage equality nationwide, and NCLR's lead attorney in Pavan v. Smith, a 2017 Supreme Court decision requiring equal treatment of same-sex parents, and in Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding nondiscrimination policies based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2015, President Obama appointed Shannon to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships, making him one of the most senior transgender appointees in the Obama administration. Shannon called the appointment a reflection of the President's commitment to building a government that reflects the full diversity of the American people. He is co-editor of Transgender Rights (2006), the first comprehensive book on the transgender civil rights movement. Among his many honors, Shannon has received the ABA's Stonewall Award, the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World Award, the Cornell Law School Exemplary Public Service Award, the Dan Bradley Award from the National LGBTQ Bar Association, and the California Lawyer of the Year designation from California Lawyer magazine. He received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from Cornell Law School. On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing

I have a rotten phlegmy cold so no news and clips today but I do have a great first time guest!  Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Shannon Minter is the Vice President of Legal (Legal Director)  Over his more than 30 years at NCLR, Shannon Minter has led impact litigation, legislative, and public policy efforts. He has filed multiple lawsuits challenging a range of Trump administration anti-transgender executive orders. He is one of the nation's foremost experts on conversion therapy, helping to draft and pass legislation in states to protect LGBTQ youth and support survivors. He served as lead counsel in the landmark California marriage equality case, and he led NCLR's contributions to multiple Supreme Court cases, such as Pavan v. Smith, Obergefell v. Hodges, and Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. An appointee to President Obama's Commission on White House Fellowships, Shannon was one of the most senior transgender appointees in the Obama administration. He has taught law at UCLA, Stanford, Golden Gate University, and Santa Clara University. Shannon is currently counsel in six cases challenging the Trump administration's anti-transgender policies, including Talbott v. Trump, which seeks to restore the right of transgender Americans to serve openly in the armed forces. His work challenging anti-transgender military policies spans nearly a decade — he previously challenged the 2017 transgender military ban under the first Trump administration, and co-chaired the Planning Commission on Transgender Military Service, which produced a comprehensive study demonstrating that inclusive service policies are both administratively feasible and militarily beneficial. Shannon has been at the forefront of efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth from conversion therapy. He founded NCLR's Born Perfect project, a national campaign to end conversion therapy through legislation, litigation, and public education. He has helped draft laws protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy across the country and continues to advocate for legal remedies to hold practitioners accountable for the harm they cause, including through malpractice, consumer fraud claims, and professional licensing sanctions. Shannon was lead counsel for same-sex couples in the landmark California marriage equality case, which was the first state supreme court decision to hold that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry and that laws discriminating based on sexual orientation are subject to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny. He was also counsel for married same-sex couples from Tennessee in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision establishing marriage equality nationwide, and NCLR's lead attorney in Pavan v. Smith, a 2017 Supreme Court decision requiring equal treatment of same-sex parents, and in Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding nondiscrimination policies based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2015, President Obama appointed Shannon to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships, making him one of the most senior transgender appointees in the Obama administration. Shannon called the appointment a reflection of the President's commitment to building a government that reflects the full diversity of the American people. He is co-editor of Transgender Rights (2006), the first comprehensive book on the transgender civil rights movement. Among his many honors, Shannon has received the ABA's Stonewall Award, the Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World Award, the Cornell Law School Exemplary Public Service Award, the Dan Bradley Award from the National LGBTQ Bar Association, and the California Lawyer of the Year designation from California Lawyer magazine. He received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from Cornell Law School. On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

Dundas City Administrator Jenelle Teppen discusses last night's EDA, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings, where topics included more discussions on housing development, the approval of the preliminary plat for the Bridgewater Heights additions, and more. 

This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

The Planning Commission convenes to review the 2023 countywide zoning update, an informational workshop covering a package of 131 proposed amendments to the zoning code. Presenters explain changes across commercial, institutional and residential rules — including animal services, vehicle and drive‑through standards, temporary uses (food trucks and storage pods), death‑care and battery energy storage systems — and outline community outreach, CPAC feedback, and next steps toward public hearings and Board consideration.

04/22/26 Planning Commission by City of Lawrence

City of Midland | Special Meeting of Midland City Council Budget Workshop | April 20, 2026This podcast features the official audio recordings of public government meetings conducted by the City of Midland, Michigan. Meetings may include sessions of the Midland City Council, Planning Commission, and various other boards and commissions. These recordings are provided as a public service to promote transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement. Each episode presents the complete audio of a scheduled public meeting. For meeting agendas, minutes, and additional resources, please visit the City of Midland's official website at www.cityofmidlandmi.gov

Williamson County Planning Commission Meeting - April 9, 2026. Tune in to this month's Williamson County Planning Commission meeting.

Friday has rolled around again which means it is time to scramble out another audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. This time around there is a big focus on municipal budgeting because the purpose of Town Crier Productions is to focus on the details of revenues and expenditures with a hope toward greater community understanding. At least, that's the way this version of Sean Tubbs is programmed.In this edition:* Charlottesville City Council has adopted a budget for the next fiscal year that increased the real property tax rate by a penny, one fewer cent than had been proposed (full story below!)* Albemarle Supervisors have a few remaining decisions to make for the county's FY2027 budget (read the story)* Albemarle and Charlottesville commemorate Dark Sky Week (read the story)* A preview of the Week AheadShout-out / PSA #1: Friends of JMRL Book SaleThe Friends of the Jefferson Madison Regional Library's Spring Book Sale is running now through this Sunday from 10:00am to 7:00pm each day at Albemarle Square Shopping Center. Additionally, April 11th and 12th are ½-price days. Choose from thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, games and puzzles, with restocking occurring throughout the sale. Proceeds benefit our regional public library system. Visit jmrlfriends DOT org for more informationCharlottesville goes with penny increase on real property tax rate rather than twoNote: The podcast edition of this budget story is stitched together from several reports. This is a consolidated version used for a script and lacks hyperlinks and other resources.One of the most important duties of governing bodies in Virginia localities is to adopt a budget for each fiscal year.For Charlottesville City Council, the process began this year on March 2 when Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders introduced a budget that was built on a two-cent increase in the real property tax rate to an even $1 for every $100 of assessed property.Since then, there have been several work sessions in which Sander's recommended budget gradually became the one that Council adopted on April 9.These were mostly held on Thursdays beginning on March 5 with a work session dedicated to the Vibrant Community Fund on March 12. That's the process through which the city provides money to nonprofit organizations.Informal budget hearingOn March 19, the city held an informal public hearing during what is billed as the Community Budget Forum.The only speaker was Jim Moore who said he has eight rental properties within Charlottesville.“I tend to try to keep my rents a little below market, and I have some tenants that really can't afford much more than that,” Moore said.Moore said the property assessment for one of those rental units increased by 74 percent from 2021 to 2025. He asked for the city to lower the anticipated rate increase.The budget forum ended up being more like a work session with staff presenting information to the City Councilors on potential ways to lower the rate. But first, budget director Krisy Hammill explained why the two cent real property rate increase had been proposed.“Most of the new revenue for the tax increase was put in the budget to offset the deeper transit investments, the increased match for the schools, and also the impacts of collective bargaining,” Hammill said.That two cent tax increase generates $2,467,724 a year.To help eliminate one of those pennies, Hammill said staff were comfortable projecting slightly higher revenue forecasts and also showed some ways to reduce revenue, including less funding for Charlottesville Area Transit, tapping into a reserve fund, and eliminating funds for Council Strategic Initiatives.“One other option would be to move the schools back to the original 2 million that we had originally built the budget around, thus reducing their increase by $569,000,” Hammill said.The budget anticipates hiring ten additional drivers for Charlottesville Area Transit. Under one potential scenario to reduce funding, money would be in place to hire five in July and the other five would be hired in January as well as additional mechanics and supervisors. That might also mean scheduled service improvements might be delayed.City Manager Sam Sanders said this would defer spending and Council would have to build positions into next year's budget. That would create a structural imbalance that would have to be addressed.“Any creation of a structural imbalance is a risk,” Sanders said. “The question is how much of a risk are you willing to take. When you create the imbalance this year and solve it this way next year, you're saying that your reassessment should be higher to start with. And you can't guarantee that.”Councilor Jen Fleisher said she liked the idea of limiting the real property tax rate increase to a penny as a middle ground option.Councilor Natalie Oschrin said she did not support delaying expanded transit.“I appreciate coming up with the CAT adjustment scenario to try and make it fit,” Oschrin said. “I would prefer not to do that since it just kind of kicks the can down the road a little bit.”Oschrin said she could support using the reserve and eliminating additional funding for Council's strategic initiatives.Councilor Michael Payne said he could support a one penny tax rate increase but said the risk to split funding for CAT personnel would be too high.“I don't like in the past when we've set ourselves up with kind of fiscal cliffs,” Payne said.Mayor Juandiego Wade also said he could support a penny increase.“I appreciate the work that I've done to kind of bring back because we've been hearing from residents about the, the cost of living, the, the tax increase and this I believe is a good, won't satisfy everyone,” Wade said. “But I think it's a good, good compromise if we decide to go in this direction.”No decisions on tax rate at March 26 CIP work sessionThe March 26 work session dealt with the Capital Improvement Program.That's the portion of the budget that sets out what a locality expects to spend on infrastructure over the next five years.“The CIP plan for 27 is just over $47 million with $196 million over the five years,” Hammill said. “If we were to look in terms of dollars spent, education is the highest in this plan, followed by transportation and access, and then affordable housing coming in third.”There were no major changes in this year's CIP. The Charlottesville Planning Commission had a work session on the capital budget in late November and later had a public hearing in December.The five-year CIP currently includes $500,000 a year for a line item called Parks and Recreation Master Plan Implementation. Sanders said that number will increase in the years to come because the master plan adopted by Council in March 2025 had a $78 million price tag over ten years.“We know that those numbers need to be dramatically different if we're going to come anywhere close to that,” Sanders said. “But we now have an assistant city manager here who's going to be working with the team to try to figure out how do we allocate better over the next five year cycle.”Part of the plan calls for major changes to Market Street Park, Court Square Park, Washington Park, and Tonsler Park. Sanders said each will be expensive and staff still needs to work out the timing.Parks and Recreation Director Riaan Anthony said the department will seek grants in addition to tax dollars to pay for the various projects.“In order for us to get there, we have to right size our department and the city,” Anthony said. “We are working in partnership with Public Works, reaching out to their department to say hey, do you have any resources?”There was further discussion of the parks and recreation master plan at the April 6 City Council work session.March 26 work sessionAt the March 26 session there was a further discussion on the possibility of a one cent sales tax increase, what to do with anticipated payment-in-lieu fees for student housing projects, as well as miscellaneous discussions.Toward the end, Sanders hit reset on the discussion of the tax rate. On March 19, there had appeared to be consensus to limit the increase to a penny but Council still had to make decisions.“We're looking for you to finalize what scenario we are actually going with for offsetting, for addressing the fact that you're stepping back from two cent increase on the real estate tax to a one cent increase on the real estate tax,” Sanders said.However, that discussion did not happen at the meeting. Instead, Councilors sent suggestions to Sanders and Hammill via email on how to offset the funding if they wanted to proceed.April 2 wrap-upThe April 2 budget work session was described as a wrap-up session.“The items that are open for discussion that we're looking for answers on is closing out the review of the Vibrant Community Fund process and how Council is looking to utilize your Strategic Initiatives fund,” Sanders said.The Vibrant Community Fund process had been covered at the March 12 work session. This is how nonprofit organizations seek funding from Charlottesville. The full report can be seen here.Mayor Wade wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page regarding the penny increase on the real estate tax rate.“We had initially looked at a two cent tax increase, but we saw options where we could do one,” Wade said. “And I just want to make sure if you, if we have that information we can bring them make sure everyone's on the same page with that. And if I can get a head nod or yes from everyone as we go down the line, make sure we are all okay with that.”As the meeting began, Council had a $228,000 gap to fill if they wanted to go with a penny increase. Hammill displayed the math on a spreadsheet, a spreadsheet made available to the public after I asked for it.The real public hearings on April 6After multiple budget work sessions, Charlottesville City Council held the final set of public hearings on April 6 for the budget for Fiscal Year 2027 as well as the real property tax rate.The only speaker for the tax rate hearing was Richard Spurzem of the development company Neighborhood Properties who urged caution when increasing taxes.“Many communities have a history of reducing the tax rates when assessments go up,” Spurzem said. “For instance in Waynesboro in 2023 they reduced their tax rate from 90 cents to 77 cents.”Spurzem said Charlottesville is increasing the tax burden for business and he said that might lead to investors deciding to go somewhere else. He said the Development Code has so far led to no approvals for major buildings and the current student housing projects of the Verve and the Blume might be the last.“I don't know who's going to build hotels that are going to compete with the brand new hotels that UVA has built on Ivy Road and out at Darden,” Spurzem said.After the public hearing for the tax rate, budget director Krisy Hammill explained that the amended budget is for just over $280 million, higher than what had been recommended by City Manager Sam Sanders on March 6.In addition to including higher revenue forecasts, staff found several line items in the budget that will not be spent down in FY2026 so that money will be added to the FY2027 at around $910,000 in available revenue.“It includes a few accounts that generally we carry over from year to year, including Historic Resources, Sister City Funds, the citywide reserve, the Council Strategic Initiatives account, money or donations that have been received and unspent for the Grand Illumination, the Councilor discretionary funds, the Minority Business Fund and also the job fair,” Hammill said.Two people spoke during the public hearing on the budget including former Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker. She said people are beginning to feel the effects of an increased tax burden and said the city is not expanding the Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program fast enough to provide relief.“A lot of low income families are being pushed out and middle income families are struggling,” Walker said. “There are a lot of wealthy people in Charlottesville. We know that they can afford the increase, but because you all are not expanding it at the rate that you need to be, it is not as it was intended to work.”Walker also called on more accountability for Charlottesville City Schools.A second person wanted to know why health care for employees has increased 15 percent and why funding for public transportation is going up 17 percent.“And yet when I see the buses pass here, there, and everywhere, there's not many people riding the buses,” said Richard Finley, a recent Charlottesville resident. “Before you increase so dramatically, do you do an audit or an evaluation of the ridership on the buses?”Finley also asked if the city had ever tried to require the University of Virginia to make a payment in lieu of taxes to cover the cost to use municipal infrastructure.Councilor Lloyd Snook said under state law, a locality cannot compel such a payment but that an institution could make one voluntarily.April 9 adoptionCouncil held a special meeting on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. to formally adopt the tax rates and the budget for FY2027. The deadline under Charlottesville charter is April 15.While there were no surprises, the meeting gives a glimpse into some of the details of how taxation works in Virginia. Changes in Richmond can affect what happens in localities for years to come, such as when a former governor campaigned on elimination of the “car tax.”“The City gets about $3.5 million from the state every year,” said Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue Todd Divers. “That's kind of what's left over from Governor [Jim] Gilmore's attempt to eliminate personal property tax. They tried it for a while, ran out of money, and then they sort of froze the amounts to all the localities, and that's the amount we get.”The city uses that $3.5 million to offset a percentage of everyone's personal property taxes. Council has to agreed to that number and this year it has been set at 31 percent.“Essentially, if your vehicle qualifies, if it's a personal use vehicle, 31 percent of your tax bill will be paid by the state,” Divers said.Council voted unanimously to approve that number.Next was a resolution to adopt the FY2027 budget and tax levy. City Manager Sam Sanders had some remarks and said that this has been another challenging budget year as he seeks ways to fund spending desired by the City Council.“I continue to talk about Charlottesville as a place that punches above its weight class,” Sanders said. “Every budget cycle is a reminder of that, because we are dedicated to the idea that we are that community and that we want to try to do as many things as we possibly can.”Sanders said the idea of a tax rate increase is hard for many and it weighs on him to have brought one forward.“My goal is always to help you not go but so far in any pursuit that you have as you change that rate, because it does go into the pockets of individuals who have difficulties in our community,” Sanders said.The advertised budget was for a two cent increase, but Council moved that down to one penny throughout the course of their work sessions.Then there was the vote.“We have a budget,” Wade said. “Thank you so much. So, do you like take a month's vacation?”“About an hour,” Hammill said.This reporter knows the feeling.Shout-out / PSA #2: Gretchen Walsh to speak at Emily Couric Leadership Forum on April 27This year's recipient of the Emily Couric Leadership Forum's leadership award is Olympic swimming champion Gretchen Walsh. She will be the speaker at a luncheon to be held at the Omni Hotel Charlottesville on Monday, April 27th at noon. Walsh, a 2025 UVA alum, is one of the most accomplished swimmers of her generation, holding 13 world records across long-course and short-course competition. Online ticket sales for the luncheon begin on Monday, March 23rd. For more information, visit, Emily Couric Leadership Forum dot OrgA rudimentary week ahead to fill a two minute gap in audio This week's edition is a little short so that's a good a time as any to look ahead to what's coming up the week of April 13. Monday the 13th!Let's start with the University of Virginia Board of Visitors who meet the evening of April 15 for a reception and again on April 16 for business. Committees that will convene include the Finance group and the Audit, Risk, and Compliance panel.In Albemarle, the Places29-Hydraulic Community Advisory Committee on Monday will hold a community meeting for a proposed rezoning that would allow for 15 townhouses on a one-acre parcel.On Tuesday, the Albemarle Planning Commission will discuss changes to the county's rule on importing fill dirt and will hold a public hearing on a special use permit for a 400-person religious assembly hall right at Interstate 64's Exit 107 in Crozet.On Wednesday, the Albemarle Board of Supervisors will hear what “big moves” staff wants to make to implement a new Comprehensive Plan. Will lighting reform to protect the Dark Sky be on the list?In the evening, there will be a public hearing on increases of Development Fees as well as the tax rates for the current calendar year. A reminder that this includes a proposed 15 cent increase in the personal property tax rate. Then a public hearing on the budget, but Supervisors will wait a week before finally adopting the document.On Thursday, Albemarle County will hold a public meeting on the future of a pocket park on Hillsdale DriveIn Charlottesville, the Economic Development Authority meets on Tuesday and continue to do so off camera with no recording. Later on the Planning Commission meets and will have a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant funding. The Planning Commission will also take action on a special exception and get a report on a study of student housing fees.Next week the Housing Advisory Committee and the Board of Zoning Appeals will meet.More details in the Week Ahead newsletter that will go out on Sunday.Hello anyone who made it to this line! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

In our news wrap Thursday, the agency overseeing construction on federal property approved President Trump's White House ballroom project, the Army's chief of staff is stepping down immediately, Democratic Party leaders are suing to block President Trump's executive order targeting mail-in voting and the president is imposing a 100% tariff on some imported pharmaceuticals. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Thursday, the agency overseeing construction on federal property approved President Trump's White House ballroom project, the Army's chief of staff is stepping down immediately, Democratic Party leaders are suing to block President Trump's executive order targeting mail-in voting and the president is imposing a 100% tariff on some imported pharmaceuticals. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy