All articles tagged with #city council
Jacksonville Transportation Authority interim CEO Cleveland Ferguson faced criticism after mentioning tolls during a budget meeting, though the agency clarified it was not a proposal. JTA is using $30 million in gas tax revenue to cover a $39 million shortfall and has cut over 150 jobs.
Memphis City Council postponed a vote on a data center moratorium to October 20, triggering a chaotic protest that included a fistfight and internal council clashes. The proposed 12-month pause aims to study the impact of facilities like SpaceXAI's Colossus on local infrastructure, though council members remain divided on whether the delay will drive investment away.
Chicago reached a conditional deal to sell its 75-year parking-meter lease to Stonepeak Partners for about $2.53 billion, but only if Stonepeak sells Omni Air International (a DHS deportation carrier) with federal approvals; the city would receive $75 million upfront, plus ongoing pension funding from 5% of net operating income annually for 57 years and a 2% contingent payment if the sale closes, along with provisions on a Chicago-based workforce, potential EV charging revenue sharing, and a 30-day CFO review ahead of a City Council vote likely in late September.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson unveiled a multi-million gun-violence prevention plan that would fund expanded patrols and other safety measures, with the proposal set to go to a city council vote after a summer of deadly incidents including the Bite of Seattle shooting and a Labor Day weekend with multiple shootings.
Stockbridge's city council impeached and removed Mayor Jayden Williams after a hearing into misconduct, including alleged misuse of a municipal purchasing card and inappropriate messages with an 18-year-old student; after hours of testimony and private deliberations, the panel voted to remove him, with next steps (such as a potential special election) still undecided.
More than 30 Seattle companies, including Microsoft’s Brad Smith, the Mariners’ John Stanton, Costco’s Ron Vachris and Alaska Airlines’ Ben Minicucci, signed a letter urging Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council to turn safety plans into action—calling for higher public-safety investments, activation of the CCTV system, a formal plan with measurable benchmarks, faster 911 responses, enforcement against drug users who refuse treatment and shelter, and a 250-foot camping ban near parks, all to be funded in the next city budget; the letter cites an August poll showing voters want urgent action and only 34% confidence in the current plan, and frames the effort as a partnership with city leaders.
Raleigh is ending its curbside vacuum leaf collection this fall, requiring leaves to be placed in designated green recycling bins or biodegradable bags with a maximum of 15 bags curbside. The change, approved by the City Council, aims to keep streets and storm drains clear and to increase efficiency, and it takes effect Sept. 8 as leaf pickup moves to weekly yard-waste service. The city provides five free biodegradable bags at a local facility; additional bags must be purchased, prompting some residents to voice concerns about added costs and hassle.
San Antonio’s proposed 2027 budget would raise property taxes by about 3.93% for homeowners, with the average homestead tax bill increasing from $1,086.51 to $1,113.66 under the proposed rate of 0.56288 (vs. 0.54773 no-new-revenue). The city plans a 4.1% budget increase, and City Council votes are set for Sept. 17–27 after public sessions, drawing mixed reactions as residents cite fixed incomes and the Spurs relocation as reasons for or against the increase.
Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to have the city attorney draft regulations for phenibut, an unregulated CNS depressant sold widely in convenience stores and gas stations. The proposed rules would restrict sales to people under 21, ban sales near schools and daycare centers, and require warning labels. A final council vote on the ordinance language is needed before it becomes law, as phenibut is marketed as a “smart drug” but poses risks including addiction and potential severe health effects.
During a planned 'Christian Crusader March' outside Dearborn's Henry Ford Centennial Library ahead of a City Council meeting, Dearborn police arrested 22 people (ages 18–64) on charges including breach of peace and disorderly conduct. Most protesters were peaceful, no injuries were reported, and police praised the officers' handling of the situation.
A large crowd gathered outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn ahead of a City Council meeting as riot police restricted indoor access. Organizers tied to a so‑called “Christian Crusader March” spoke at the gathering, and police coordinated with multiple agencies to ensure safety while allowing First Amendment activity. Inside the meeting, Jake Lang and Lorenzo Sewell spoke; Lang attempted to bring a Quran to the podium, was refused, and later escorted out after tearing up the Quran. Several arrests were reported outside the venue, and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud and City Council President Mike Sareini defended the city’s handling of the situation.
NYC Council members blasted Mayor Mamdani's administration at a City Hall hearing on the pied-à-terre tax after the administration skipped the session. The hearing highlighted a botched rollout: the city has sent notices to about 17,000 households, with exemptions applications swelling from 4,290 to 9,884, and mis-targeted properties rising to 2,318. Lawmakers demanded in-person explanations as lawsuits—led by Randy Mastro—mount against the surcharge on vacant luxury homes. The tax, meant to help close a $5.4 billion budget gap, has drawn criticism over transparency and homework, while Mamdani was reportedly vacationing upstate.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration will skip Tuesday’s City Council oversight hearing on the pied-à-terre tax rollout, instead submitting written testimony due to ongoing litigation. Democrats blasted the move as a transparency failure after a bungled rollout that included a large homeowner list and thousands of exemption notices, with lawsuits temporarily pausing the rollout. The tax targets luxury second homes valued at $5M+ for single-family homes and $1M+ for co-ops/condos that are unoccupied, and the hearing will proceed with public input amid GOP rallies.
The San Antonio City Council rejected a push to place a November referendum on public funding for a $489 million Spurs arena downtown, meaning voters won’t have a chance to weigh in this year and the arena plan is moving forward without a November ballot.
New York City’s City Council approved four bills to allow 12-month outdoor dining structures on streets, reversing the seasonal removal rule and promising clearer rules and fines for cleanliness. While the move pleases restaurants and some council members, critics warn it will clog streets, invite vermin and unsafe winter conditions, and shift focus from indoor dining struggles. The Department of Transportation will finalize updated rules as part of the tighter oversight, signaling a long winter ahead for both operators and residents.