Local Control

We often think of our cities and towns as their own entities in control of what they do, and for a good part history they have been. On this episode, we’re going to look at how emerging tensions with states and the erosion of  Local Control has been playing out in our communities and impacting spatial issues including the environment, economic development, and social issues.

Protest sign for Local Control fight in Texas. Source: tpr.org

Show Notes + Sources

Intro to Preemption Laws in State Legislatures

Preemption laws and pesticides

Example ballot initiative for Local Control of fracking activities

North Carolina “Bathroom Bill” and preemption

Sanctions for Sanctuary Cities in Home Rule states

A more detailed history of the seesaw for Local Control

The battle for Local Control with the Dakota Access Pipeline project