Seattle City Council unanimously votes to ban evictions in winter
Supporters say the ban is needed to combat homelessness. They note evictions disproportionately affect women and people of color, and people can die without shelter.
Cities
Mayor announces plans to make Paris 100% bicycle friendly by 2024
In order to fulfill the commitment of carrying out an “ecological transformation of the city”, a new traffic plan will be implemented to promote walking, cycling and public transport.
Santa Cruz decriminalizes psychedelic mushrooms
The City Council of Santa Cruz voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a measure that will make investigation and arrest for “the adult possession, use or cultivation of psychoactive plants and fungi” a low-priority infraction by law enforcement.
Amsterdam to buy out young people’s debt to offer ‘new start’
The debt-transfer project will start in February. Each person on the scheme will be given a coach with whom they will prepare a “guidance plan”.
Mexico City bans plastic bags
The new law went into effect January 1. By 2021, the same law will ban handing out plastic straws, spoons, coffee capsules and other single-use items.
Jakarta to ban single-use plastic bags by June 2020
The regulation imposes a ban on single-use plastic bags in modern department stores, supermarkets, and traditional markets. It will also serve as a legal basis for the usage of eco-friendly bags in stores and markets.
Oxford City Council sets £19 million budget for climate crisis
Oxford City Council will set a Climate Emergency Budget that commits over £1 million additional operational funding and £18 million of capital investment to address the climate emergency.
Los Angeles libraries will stop collecting late fees for overdue books
The city will stop collecting fines for past-due books and other materials this spring, part of a larger effort to make the 73-branch library system more welcoming to the city’s neediest residents.
Helsinki and Valladolid join dozens of cities worldwide committed to net zero buildings
By signing the Commitment, the cities pledge that all buildings in their cities will meet the target by 2050.
Kansas City becomes first major American city with universal fare-free public transit
Free bus service, which is expected to cost about $8 million, has been pitched as a major help to low-income residents who rely on transit to commute to work.