Community Development & Design
Albany lawmakers approved a bill that would impose fines for Airbnb users who advertise short-term rentals in New York City. [Wall Street Journal]
Governor Christie announced a plan this week to equalize state school funding for every New Jersey student, diverging from the current policy of a weighted formula which takes into account extra funding needs of low-income students and special education and language programs. [North Jersey Record]
A week before New York’s Rent Guidelines Board is scheduled to vote on possible increases, landlords and tenants are speaking out. [WNYC]
Transportation
The State Senate confirmed two people recommended by Mayor de Blasio to serve on the MTA board, strengthening New York City’s voice at the state-run agency that oversees subways and buses. [NY Times]
Despite previous MTA concerns, data from New York and San Francisco shows that proof of payment fare systems may result in less fare evasion, not more. [Streetsblog NYC]
Energy & Environment
A bill in front of the New Jersey legislature would help municipalities create programs that incentivize renewable energy investments. [NJ Spotlight]