APA Urges Congress to Preserve Proven Tax Code Elements That Spur Economic Growth

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Planning Association's (APA) President Cynthia Bowen, AICP, released a statement today opposing the proposed tax reform legislation that would unnecessarily constrain the ability of planners, local governments, and private sector partners to invest in infrastructure, housing, and economic development.

Read APA's statement on the Tax Reform Legislation.

APA opposes provisions in the legislation that eliminates or undermines some critical tools used by planners to advance local infrastructure, affordable housing and community development projects. Members are encouraged to urge their local congressional representatives to maintain Historic Tax Credits, Rehabilitation Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), Private Activity Bonds (PABs), and the ability to advance refund municipal bonds.

These tools and elements help create communities of lasting value. Eliminating these tools would not make it simpler to build infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects, but will make it more expensive and constrain economic growth in communities around the country. APA has also joined with 34 other national organizations representing a range of local government, community development, and public finance organizations on a letter urging Congress to maintain vital bond financing tools.

APA's legislative priorities advance a platform for stronger and more just communities through planning. Learn about APA's legislative priorities.

Visit APA's Legislative Action Center to quickly contact your representatives to voice your opposition. Keep up to date on how proposed policies may impact communities through APA's policy blog.

For additional legislative updates, advocacy training and exclusive webinars, APA members may join the free Planners' Advocacy Network.

The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides vital leadership in creating communities of lasting value. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the profession of planning, offering better choices for where and how people work and live. The 38,000 APA members work in concert with community residents, civic leaders and business interests to create communities that enrich people's lives. Through its philanthropic work, APA's Foundation helps to reduce economic and social barriers to good planning. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Learn more at www.planning.org.

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Contact

Roberta Rewers, APA, 312-786-6395; rrewers@planning.org