North Alabama Zoological Society’s Post

Five would-be Lands Commissioners want to lead the one Washington state agency tasked with raking in big bucks for schools, counties, and Big Timber. The billion-dollar question is whether that green should come from felling the Evergreen State's oldest forests. #washingtonstate #news #politics #campaign #stategovernment #money #business #counties #localgovernment #elections #democracy #schools #tax https://lnkd.in/g3DUYv5p

Angus Forbes Fantastic news. It is time for Plymouth to be properly led. The opportunity to take the City out of the forever hanging political league into the mainstream has clearly arrived! When you see the success of other cities being placed on the map, one can only feel that breaking down those silos of weak power and influence and propelling onto the national stage can only benefit the city and its people. To attract serious inward investment and get the low average incomes up through effective strategy and direction instead of squabbling about trees for months in Armada Way has to be a BIG plus for my birth place. Great news. https://lnkd.in/eR2iXTS8

Public rights of way are legally protected footpaths which allow anyone pass through private land so that they can access the countryside for leisure and recreation. Did you know that in the UK some of these paths may just disappear should they not be recorded by a local authority? The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) have encouraged local groups to record historic paths before the extended deadline of January 1 2031 in England which could see many paths lost to the public. The Ramblers’ Don’t Lose Your Way campaign has found over 49,000 miles of rights of way that could be lost if they are not added to the definitive map. At least they have a definitive map in England. The situation in Ireland is much more confusing (https://lnkd.in/eQnkjQPN) with two thirds of the local authorities despite being obligated to record public rights of way failing to do so adequately according to the regulator. The famous case of Lissadell House, Co. Sligo in 2013 might repeat itself where the public lost access to four routes across the land after a supreme court ruling. Protecting public access might best be served by centrally recording what we already have. https://lnkd.in/e3zNi3n7

We need to make sure that we get the balance right. Our CEO, Helen Griffiths FRSA, shared her thoughts on the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (#NPPF) in The Telegraph. 💬 “We wholeheartedly back any planning reforms that will see new houses and communities developed. But they must provide the green space – and protect existing parks – to ensure these communities can lead healthy and happy lives. It cannot be an either-or.” Read the full article 🗞 https://lnkd.in/e_5hh-hy To find out more, including details on our submission to the NPPF consultation, read our latest blog 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eWdsQAh3

"Santa Monica's Changing Landscape: What Recent Elections Mean for Local Businesses" Staying ahead of local political trends has been key to our success, allowing us to make smart pivots and strategic decisions even in challenging environments. The recent City Council election in Santa Monica saw the SMRR-endorsed slate sweep all seats, defeating the Safe Santa Monica slate. This outcome is likely to impact local business conditions, as it signals a continuation of policies that may not prioritize public safety funding or support pro-business initiatives. Santa Monica has already experienced increased crime, encampments, and outdoor drug use, and it's unlikely we'll see increased funding for the staff-strapped police department in the near term. The camping restrictions will likely remain on hold until permanent housing is available. The city recently approved a supportive housing project on 4th Street near Santa Monica Boulevard, with costs reaching $1 million per unit. The project led to the demolition of a parking structure, which was critical for retail customers in the area. This loss of parking directly contributed to REI vacating the space, highlighting how the current approach can have unintended consequences for local retail businesses. We will continue to keep you informed about these local political trends, as they are critical in shaping our strategic approach in an environment that remains tough for businesses.

Attacking public lands is bad for business. A set of bills is being considered by the state legislature that attack our public lands as we know them. The bills threaten our state’s $21.1 billion outdoor recreation economy, infringe on private property rights, and overlook the economic benefits of public lands. Simply put – they’re bad for business and bad for our outdoor recreation communities. We hope the legislature votes NO on any bill threatening Arizona’s public lands and instead invests in our state’s incredible public lands and outdoor recreation opportunities. Read more about these bills here: https://lnkd.in/grWiKtjT #ArizonaBusiness #Arizona #OutdoorRecreation

This is an interesting read - it relates to the continual erosion of local democracy. This tension, between the need for power at local level whilst delivering on national objectives, seems to be badly managed in England and here in Ireland. I attended the Irish Planning Institute excellent winter law conference last week and recall in particular Michael Furminger BL's contribution. He provided a summary of some key aspects of the new Irish Planning Bill (tricky business over 900 pages in 20 minutes!). The Bill seems to define the Local Authority's role as being to give effect to National and Regional Policies which are determined elsewhere. This is a really challenging problem for Spatial Planning going forward, but denying people a say in what happens in their area, or even creating the impression that they don't have a say, isnt the way forward. We have to find a way to empower local communities to act, and then trust them to do what's right for 'the greater good. #planning #housing #sustainabledevelopment

Knowledge of local government policies can be a game-changer. From zoning regulations to tax incentives, understanding the local landscape can help you make strategic decisions for your family's safety and well-being. Research your local government's website for information on policies and regulations relevant to homeowners. Attend town hall meetings or community forums to stay engaged and voice your concerns. Being proactive keeps you informed and involved in decisions that affect your community. #LocalGovernment #PolicyAwareness #community #proactive #informational #informedchoices

Reflecting on Five Years of Progress and a Renewed Commitment to Kildare County As we approach the local elections with just 11 days remaining, I find myself reflecting on a significant milestone: Today marks five years since I was first elected to Kildare County Council. It was on the 11th count, a moment of immense pride and responsibility that has shaped my time and commitment to our community. A Tenure of Tangible Achievements Over the past five years, I have strived to live up to the promises I made when I first ran for election. My commitment was, and remains, to serve the people of Kildare with integrity and dedication. Here are some key achievements from my tenure: Advocating for Sustainable Urban Development: I have worked to ensure that development within our county is both sustainable and beneficial for all residents, focusing on environmental resilience and community benefits unfortunately due to government policy I haven't always been successful but I have tried Enhancing Local Infrastructure: Improving public transportation options, my focus has been on creating a more livable and accessible community. Supporting Small Businesses and Local Entrepreneurs: Understanding the backbone of our local economy lies in its small businesses, I have championed initiatives to support local enterprise, helping to foster innovation and job creation. Commitment to Continued Service As we look forward to another term, my promise to you remains unchanged. I pledge to continue my work with the same vigor and passion, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for every resident of our county. My approach is straightforward: no false promises, just a commitment to real results and hard work. Your Support Matters As you consider your choices for the upcoming election, I invite you to review the progress we have made together. If you believe that my contributions have positively impacted our community and that my vision aligns with your aspirations for Kildare, I humbly ask for your vote on June 7. Together, we can continue to build on our achievements and tackle the challenges ahead with innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. Let’s keep the momentum going and make Kildare a model of community-driven success. #Leadership #LocalGovernment #Election2024 #KildareCountyCouncil #VotePender #ProfessionalAchievement