Portland Meetings

  • April 6 (5:00 PM)-City Council Executive Session to review Manager’s contract, Zoom Only
  • April 8 (5:00 PM)-Land Bank Commission, 212 Canco Rd., Suite A
  • April 8 (5:00 PM)-Sustainability and Transportation Committee, Zoom Only
  • April 8 (6:00 PM)-Social Housing Task Force, City Hall Basement Room 24
  • April 13 (5:00 PM)-City Council Meeting
  • April 13 – City Manager’s budget released
  • April 14 (5:00 PM)-HHS & Public Safety Meeting
  • April 14 – School Board budget vote
  • April 15-Hybrid Public Art Meeting
  • April 15-Hybrid Historic Preservation Board Meeting
  • May 4 & 18 – Council public hearings
  • June 9 – School budget referendum

What’s Coming Next at City Hall

Tow Rate, Cruise Ships, and Climate Action Fund

Portland Committee to Consider Tow Rate Increases

The Portland City Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee will review a proposal on April 8, 2026, to raise the maximum rates that licensed tow operators can charge in the city. The proposal comes as city staff say Portland’s current rates are no longer competitive with neighboring communities, which may be impacting tow availability and the City’s ability to enforce parking and traffic regulations.

Why the Change Is Being Considered

According to the City’s Parking Division, Portland’s tow rates were last updated in 2022. Since then, officials say the current fee structure has fallen behind market rates in other municipalities, which can cause tow operators to prioritize calls in cities where higher fees are permitted. Additionally, tow storage lots within the current allowed radius of five miles from City Hall are often at capacity, limiting the City’s ability to tow vehicles when necessary.

City staff says these issues can harm City operations, especially when vehicles need towing for safety, snow removal, or traffic control.

Current vs. Proposed Tow Rates

The committee will review a proposed increase in several key fees:

Service CurrentRate ProposedRate
Non-accident tow $135 $150
Accident tow $150 $175
Dual rear wheel vehicles $150 $165
Storage fee (per day) $40 $50
Maximum distance to tow lot 5 miles 7 miles

These rates represent the maximum allowed charges tow companies may impose under city ordinance.

How Portland Compares to Other Cities

City staff gathered data from nearby municipalities and regional cities. The comparison reveals that Portland’s current tow fee is lower than that of many similar cities. For example::

  • South Portland: $150 tow fee
  • Saco: $160 tow fee
  • Manchester, NH: $175 tow fee
  • Nashua, NH: $185 tow fee
  • Boston, MA: $132 plus fuel surcharge

Daily storage fees in other cities typically range from $30 to $80 per day, with many Maine communities charging around $50 per day.

Other Tow Policy Rules

Portland regulates tow operators through city code, which includes requirements such as:

  • Tow companies must maintain storage and release facilities within a set distance of the city.
  • Vehicles must be released within one hour of the owner’s request.
  • Tow companies must post clear signage and publicly display their rates.
  • Police may inspect tow vehicles and storage facilities.
  • Tow operators must clean accident debris and maintain secure storage lots.

These regulations are intended to protect vehicle owners while ensuring towing services are available when needed.

No Fiscal Impact to the City

The proposed rate changes would not directly impact the City’s budget, as the fees are paid by vehicle owners, not the City.

What Happens Next

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will review the proposal and may recommend changes to Chapter 28 of the Portland City Code. Any changes would ultimately need approval from the full Portland City Council before taking effect.

Portland Committee Reviewing Tariff Change to
Encourage Cleaner Cruise Ship Fuel

The Portland City Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee is also reviewing proposed changes to Terminal Tariff No. 11, which sets rates and fees for ships using Portland’s waterfront facilities, including Ocean Gateway and the Maine State Pier. The proposed change aims to encourage cruise ships to use low-sulfur or cleaner fuels while docked in Portland Harbor.

Incentivizing Cleaner Fuel Use

Under the proposed tariff structure, cruise ships that use cleaner fuels like Marine Gas Oil (MGO), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), or other non-heavy fuel oils (HFO) while at berth would receive a discounted passenger fee rate. Ships that continue using heavy fuel oil would pay the standard rate.

For large cruise ships (over 1,000 passengers), the tariff shows a clear price difference beginning in 2027:

Year               Regular Rate (HFO)          Discounted Rate (Low-Sulfur Fuel)
2027 $21 per passenger $19 per passenger
2028 $22 $20
2029 $23 $21
2030 $24 $22

These fees are charged for each manifested passenger and aim to encourage ships to use cleaner-burning fuels while in port, helping to reduce local air pollution and emissions along Portland’s waterfront.

Portland’s decision to offer discounted port fees for ships that use low-sulfur fuel while docked follows a model already utilized in several major ports across the United States and Europe. Ports such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and New York have adopted similar programs, often called “green tariffs,” which lower port fees for ships that meet specific environmental standards, including the use of cleaner fuels or lower-emission engines while in port. The aim is to reduce local air pollution in port cities while still supporting cruise tourism and maritime activities.

The policy focuses on air quality rather than just climate change. Cruise ships burn fuel while docked to power onboard systems, and in the past, many burned heavy fuel oil, which releases higher levels of sulfur oxides and particulate matter. These emissions can impact air quality in waterfront neighborhoods. Incentive programs aim to encourage ships to switch to cleaner fuels or shore power while in port.

Most diesel fuel used in the United States today is already ultra-low sulfur diesel due to federal environmental regulations that have been in effect over the past two decades. However, maritime fuel rules differ from on-road diesel regulations. International shipping has traditionally used higher-sulfur fuel, but global regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2020 significantly reduced the allowable sulfur content in marine fuels worldwide. As a result, many ships already use lower-sulfur fuels than in the past, but ports still offer fee incentives to encourage ships to use the cleanest available fuel or connect to shore power when possible.

In practical terms, Portland’s policy might not significantly alter the behavior of the newest ships, which often already use cleaner fuels, but it could impact older vessels or ships choosing which ports to visit. The policy also enables the city to raise passenger fees overall while providing a discount to ships that meet environmental standards, effectively linking port fees to environmental performance.

Infrastructure Fees Also Increasing

Along with passenger fees, the tariff includes infrastructure improvement fees per passenger that rise each year. These funds are usually used for port and terminal upgrades, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements necessary for cruise operations.

Cruise Ship Activity in Portland

Portland has become one of the busiest cruise ship ports in New England. In recent years, about 75–85 cruise ships visit Portland Harbor each year, bringing tens of thousands of passengers to the city during the season. The cruise season usually runs from May through October, with the busiest times in September and October during foliage season.

City officials have increasingly sought to balance the economic advantages of cruise tourism against its environmental and waterfront impacts, which is why the low-sulfur fuel incentive is being considered.

Portland Cruise Ship Schedule – 2026 Cruise Ship Season Overview

Season: April – November 2026
Busiest Months: September & October
Largest Ships: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Escape, Independence of the Seas, Majestic Princess
Largest Day: Multiple ships in port on several September and October dates

Estimated Passenger Volume by Month

Month       Ships             Estimated Passengers
April 2 ~2,200
May 6 ~9,500
June 5 ~8,700
July 4 ~7,300
August 6 ~12,500
September 20+ ~70,000+
October 20+ ~65,000+
November 1 ~4,200

 

Total Estimated Passengers (2026): ~180,000+

Biggest Ships Visiting Portland (Passenger Capacity)

Ship Passengers
Norwegian Escape 5,218
Norwegian Breakaway 4,819
Independence of the Seas 4,356
Majestic Princess 4,272
Sapphire Princess 3,214
Celebrity Silhouette 3,463

Committee Focus

The committee’s review of Tariff 11 is expected to focus on:

  • Environmental benefits from reduced emissions
  • Financial incentives versus penalties
  • Maintaining Portland’s competitiveness as a cruise destination
  • Funding long-term waterfront infrastructure
  • Managing cruise ship impacts on the city

Summary

In summary, the proposed Tariff 11 changes aim to use pricing incentives to encourage cruise ships to switch to cleaner fuel while docked in Portland, reducing emissions in the harbor while continuing to support cruise tourism and waterfront infrastructure. The Sustainability and Transportation Committee will review the tariff adjustments before any final approval through the City Council budget process.

Portland Committee Reviews Update on Climate Action Fund

The Portland City Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee recently received an update on the City’s Climate Action Fund, a dedicated funding source created to support Portland’s climate, energy, and resilience goals outlined in the city’s One Climate Future plan.

Purpose of the Climate Action Fund

The Climate Action Fund was established as a special revenue account within the City’s general fund to help Portland meet long-term climate goals, including:

  • Running municipal operations on 100% clean energy by 2040
  • Reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050
  • Prioritizing climate action and resilience projects this decade following the City’s climate emergency declaration

The fund is intended to finance projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen community resilience to climate impacts.

Where the Money Comes From

The fund receives revenue from several sources, including:

  • Sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by City projects
  • Funds appropriated by the City Council
  • Voluntary contributions and donations
  • Penalties from non-compliance with sustainability ordinances (such as energy     benchmarking requirements)
  • Federal, state, or private grants and loans for electrification, energy efficiency,     and emissions reduction projects

This structure allows the fund to grow over time using both public and private funding sources.

How the Fund Can Be Used

The Climate Action Fund can be used for a wide range of climate-related initiatives, including:

  • Operating costs for the City’s Sustainability Office (with a cap of $125,000 for       staff salaries)
  • Grant writing and matching funds to secure outside funding
  • Engineering studies, greenhouse gas inventories, and energy audits
  • Capital investments that advance climate goals
  • Community programs such as tree planting, renewable energy programs, energy  efficiency initiatives, and micro-grants for community climate projects

These eligible uses are designed to support both municipal projects and community-based climate initiatives.

Oversight and Reporting

The City Manager serves as the manager of the Climate Action Fund and is responsible for:

  • Maintaining financial records
  • Disbursing and collecting funds
  • Monitoring how funds are used
  • Ensuring spending aligns with the purpose of the fund

The City must also submit an annual report to the City Council detailing the amounts deposited into the fund and how they were spent. All expenditures require approval from the City Council through the annual budget process.

Committee Role

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee reviews Climate Action Fund updates as part of its oversight of Portland’s climate and sustainability initiatives. Committee discussions usually focus on how funds are being used, whether they are helping the City meet its climate goals, and how the fund can be leveraged to secure additional outside funding for climate-related projects.

Summary

In summary, the Climate Action Fund is Portland’s main financial tool for implementing climate and resilience initiatives. Funded through renewable energy credits, grants, penalties, and appropriations, the program supports sustainability staff, technical studies, infrastructure investments, and community climate programs, with spending managed by the City Council and City Manager through the annual budget process.Next week, we will take a deep dive into the region’s climate action efforts.

Portland Playbook: Top 5 things to know in
Portland politics this week.

1. Tow Rate Increase Moving Forward
Last week, the Sustainability and Transportation Committee reviewed a proposal to increase the maximum tow rates allowed in Portland. City staff told councilors that Portland’s current rates are lower than those of surrounding communities and that tow companies sometimes prioritize other cities, which can create enforcement and public safety challenges.

Why it matters: This affects snow bans, illegal parking enforcement, and the cost residents pay if their vehicle is towed.

2. Portland Considering Incentives for Cleaner Cruise Ships
The Committee also reviewed changes to the City’s waterfront tariff that would create a financial incentive for cruise ships to use cleaner, low-sulfur fuel while docked in Portland Harbor.

Why it matters: This is part of the city’s broader climate and waterfront policy and could become a model for how Portland manages cruise ship impacts.

3. Climate Action Fund Update Presented
The Committee will receive an update on the City’s Climate Action Fund.The fund is supported by renewable energy credits, grants, penalties tied to sustainability ordinances, and City appropriations.

Why it matters: This is the main funding source behind Portland’s climate goals and sustainability programs.

4. Budget Season Is Beginning
Behind the scenes, the City has started early work on the upcoming municipal budget. Over the next few months, the Council will begin making decisions that will shape:
• School funding
• Housing programs
• Homelessness services
• Public safety
• Road and infrastructure spending
• Sustainability programs

Why it matters: In Portland, the biggest policy decisions are often budget decisions.

5. The Big Political Issues Haven’t Changed
The major political debates at City Hall continue to revolve around the same core issues:
• Housing development and zoning
• Homelessness and encampments
• Cruise ship limits and waterfront use
• Transportation and street safety
• Rising property taxes and city spending

These issues drove discussion last week and will continue to dominate City Hall through the spring and into budget season.

The Bottom Line
The biggest story in Portland right now isn’t just one vote or ordinance; it’s that the City is shaping policy through fees, tariffs, and funding choices. Toll rates, cruise ship fees, and climate funding might seem small, but they reflect bigger debates about affordability, the environment, tourism, and the city’s expenses.

That’s where a lot of the real decision-making is happening right now, at the committee level, and in the budget process.

Thompson’s Yard Project Set to Add 257 Apartments
at Thompson’s Point

Inclusionary zoning debate highlights why timing matters for major housing projects

PORTLAND, Maine — A major housing project at Thompson’s Point is expected to move forward, adding 257 apartments to Portland’s housing supply and continuing the long-term redevelopment of what was once an industrial rail yard into a mixed-use neighborhood.

The project, known as Thompson’s Yard, will feature a six-story building with apartments that range from studios to three-bedroom units. A 460-space parking garage will also be constructed nearby to accommodate residents and visitors. Construction is expected to start soon, with completion scheduled for 2028.
But one of the most important aspects of the project concerns timing and city housing policy more than architecture.

Approved Before Inclusionary Zoning

The Thompson’s Point master plan was approved in 2012, before Portland adopted its inclusionary zoning ordinance in 2015 and before voters significantly expanded the policy in 2020.

Portland’s inclusionary zoning ordinance mandates that developments with 10 or more units either incorporate affordable housing units or contribute a fee to the city’s housing fund. The 2020 voter referendum increased the requirement so that 25% of units must be affordable to households earning up to 80% of the area median income.
Developers can also pay a fee instead of constructing the units. As of 2026, that fee-in-lieu amounts to approximately $186,000 per unit.

Because the Thompson’s Point master plan predates those rules, the Thompson’s Yard project is not required to follow the inclusionary zoning ordinance, which could have significant financial implications for the project.

Why Inclusionary Zoning Has Become a Major Debate

Inclusionary zoning was created to ensure new developments provide affordable housing, but the policy has become one of the most debated housing issues in Portland in recent years.

Supporters argue that the ordinance ensures that new development helps create affordable housing and prevents neighborhoods from becoming unaffordable. Critics, including some developers and housing advocates, argue that the 25% requirement and fee structure can make large projects financially difficult to build, especially when combined with high construction costs and interest rates.

In response to the ongoing debate, the City of Portland initiated a formal study in 2025 to assess whether the inclusionary zoning ordinance is achieving its objectives and if adjustments should be considered. The findings of that study are expected to be presented to the City Council, which will ultimately decide whether to modify the policy.

A Real-World Example of Policy Impact

Projects like Thompson’s Yard demonstrate a broader reality of housing development: large projects often take many years, sometimes over a decade, to go from initial approval to construction. During that period, zoning rules, affordability demands, building codes, and financing conditions can change significantly.

Since Thompson’s Yard was approved before the inclusionary zoning requirements were adopted and later strengthened, it can proceed under the earlier rules. If the same project were proposed today, the affordability requirements or fee structure could greatly impact its financial feasibility.

Part of a Larger Redevelopment

Thompson’s Point has been transformed over more than 10 years into a mixed-use area featuring housing, offices, hotels, entertainment venues, and open space. The Thompson’s Yard project is one of the largest remaining housing parts of that original master plan and will provide hundreds of units within walking distance of downtown and major employment hubs.

City officials have repeatedly stated that Portland needs more housing of all types to tackle rising rents and limited supply, and projects like Thompson’s Yard are among the largest additions to the housing market currently planned in the city.

Looking Ahead

Construction is expected to begin soon, with completion projected in 2028.

Bottom line:

The Thompson’s Yard project will add hundreds of new apartments to Portland, and its ability to proceed under pre-2015 approvals highlights how Portland’s inclusionary zoning policy and ongoing discussions about that policy are likely to play a major role in shaping how much housing gets built in the city in the coming years.

South Portland Comprehensive Plan Moves Forward After Debate Over Waterfront, Housing, and Sunoco Tanks

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — After months of discussion and public input, the South Portland Comprehensive Plan Committee unanimously voted on March 25 to recommend that the City Council accept the draft comprehensive plan, supporting a document that will steer the city’s growth and land use decisions for the next decade.
But the vote happened after a long and sometimes philosophical debate about the city’s eastern waterfront, the role of housing development, and whether the city should use zoning policies to influence the future of the Sunoco tank farm along the Fore River.

Shipyard District and Bug Light Area at Center of Debate

Much of the discussion centered on the Shipyard District and the Bug Light area, where some residents have expressed concerns that the draft plan might permit too much development, especially in areas known as KLUPA 21 and KLUPA 22, land use planning zones that include parts of the eastern waterfront.

City officials stressed that the comprehensive plan serves as a framework, not a development approval, and that the land use designations in the draft plan are more detailed than some critics claim.

Councilor Natalie West said KLUPA 21 is designated for “limited growth,” meaning development similar in scale to what already exists in the area, while KLUPA 22 is labeled “unique growth,” reflecting the industrial nature of parts of the site and the potential that redevelopment there would look different from surrounding neighborhoods.

She also noted that the development outlined in the plan would generally be around two to six stories, smaller than some earlier proposals that had raised public concern.

Environmental Safeguards and Resilience Planning

The draft plan also includes environmental safeguards, such as work on a Coastal Resilience Overlay Zone to address sea-level rise and climate impacts. The city has also stated that development near the tank farm will not proceed without an environmental study, including analysis of potential air quality and health concerns related to the site. Officials also noted that while some residents have called for more parkland in the Bug Light area, much of the land is privately owned, meaning converting it to park space would require funding and cooperation from property owners.

Housing Debate Emerges

The meeting also included a broader debate about housing and development, including whether building market-rate housing can help address housing shortages.
Councilor West used a housing market analogy called the “downward escalator,” which suggests that when new housing is built, even higher-end housing, it can create movement in the housing market that frees up older or less expensive units for others.
Mayor Elyse Tipton challenged that argument, stating that the link between market-rate housing and affordability remains debated and should not be regarded as settled in the city’s planning decisions.

Proposal to Shift Sunoco Property Zoning Fails

One of the most closely watched votes involved a proposal from Councilor Peter Stanton to shift the boundary between KLUPA 21 and KLUPA 22 in the Shipyard District. He argued that this move could increase redevelopment potential and potentially create incentives for Sunoco to relocate or sell its tank farm property.
Stanton argued that the tanks are a significant obstacle to any long-term plans for the waterfront, whether for housing, mixed-use development, or park space, and that boosting the land’s redevelopment potential could raise its value and promote change.
Supporters of the idea argued that redevelopment could greatly expand the city’s tax base and potentially bring in millions of dollars in yearly property tax revenue.

But Mayor Tipton expressed skepticism that changing zoning would influence a large corporation’s decisions and said the city also needed to consider the preferences residents had expressed during the planning process.
The proposal was finally rejected with a 3–7 vote.

What Happens Next

With the committee’s unanimous vote to recommend the draft comprehensive plan, the document now proceeds to the City Council for review and possible adoption. The comprehensive plan will serve as a policy guide for future zoning, development, housing, environmental planning, and economic development decisions in South Portland.

Bottom line:

 The debate over the comprehensive plan revealed the central question facing South Portland: how to balance housing, open space, environmental concerns, and the future of the eastern waterfront decisions that will shape the city for decades to come.

By the Numbers: Portland Police Calls This Week

Public Safety Brief – Weekly Snapshot
Portland Police handled a variety of routine calls this week, mainly focusing on quality-of-life issues, minor incidents, and public safety concerns rather than major crimes. Based on a review of the City’s Daily Media Logs, here are the most common types of calls officers responded to this week.

Most Common Calls This Week
• Suspicious person/activity
• Disorderly conduct and disturbances
• Shoplifting and minor theft
• Parking complaints and traffic issues
• Welfare checks
• Domestic disturbances
• Motor vehicle crashes
• Trespassing/unwanted person
• Public intoxication
• Alarm calls

Ongoing Trend to Watch
The weekly logs consistently show that Portland police frequently respond to behavioral, housing-related, and quality-of-life calls, not just traditional crime, which city officials continue to discuss as part of broader conversations about homelessness, public safety staffing, and alternative response programs.

Portland Water District Featured in Wastewater Documentary

PORTLAND, Maine — According to the 2023 Infrastructure Report Card developed by the Maine Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, municipal wastewater needs for the State of Maine were identified at $1.7 billion. Maine’s wastewater infrastructure continues to age, with many of the state’s treatment facilities approximately 50 years old, constructed in the 1970s.

A recent film highlighted the work to keep systems running and should elevate awareness about the Portland’s wastewater team was featured in a documentary film, “Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong,” filmed over two years inside the Portland Water District’s East End Wastewater Treatment Facility. The film offers insight into the complex job of managing wastewater, covering both technical and management challenges while humorously depicting the daily lives of the skilled workers handling Portland’s waste.

The documentary premiered at the Camden International Film Festival to a standing ovation and has since received multiple Audience Awards and Best New England Film honors. A local screening at South Portland High School’s auditorium on April 17th is open to the public, with free advance registration.

The Portland Water District operates and maintains four wastewater treatment plants and partners with local municipalities to provide wastewater services, including collection, to Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland, Gorham, Portland, Westbrook, and Windham.

Portland City Hall Brief

New City Clerk Selected – Mayor Mark Dion and the City Council have selected Abbey Lombard as Portland’s new City Clerk. Her confirmation vote is scheduled for the April 13 City Council meeting.

Bayside Land Study – The City is seeking community input on the future of four City-owned parcels in the Bayside neighborhood, sometimes referred to as the “Bayside Adjacency” parcels. The land could potentially be used for housing, open space, or other development, and the process will help guide future decisions.

Street Sweeping Underway – Spring street sweeping operations are underway, and parking restrictions remain in place through May 31 to allow for street cleaning and stormwater system maintenance.

Cruise Ship Fees Increasing – The City will increase cruise ship tariff fees starting in 2027, including incentives for ships that use cleaner fuel while docked in Portland.

Public Works Projects – Sewer and drainage projects are underway in several neighborhoods, part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

Tree Planting Program – The City’s cooperative tree planting program is open for residents who want to plant trees on their property.

The City Is Hiring – Open positions include public safety, healthcare, trades, recreation, and dispatch.

Greater Portland Playbook

Portland

  • The Live Nation/music venue ordinance continues to move through the city process, with the setback study expected to play a major role in the final decision.
  • The FY27 budget and Capital Improvement Plan are heading toward City Council review and adoption in April.
  • The Assessor is reviewing nonprofit property tax exemptions, which could become a policy discussion later this year.

 

Trend: Major policy decisions on housing, downtown development, and the budget are approaching this spring.

 

South Portland

  • The Comprehensive Plan update continues, and a major policy discussion is emerging around housing development vs. preserving open space and public land.
  • The plan will guide zoning, development, and infrastructure decisions for the next 10 years.

 

Trend: South Portland is in a long-term planning phase, and decisions made now will shape future development.

 

Falmouth

  • The municipal budget is under review, with an expected increase to support services and infrastructure.
  • Town Council and School Board elections are coming up in June.
  • The Public Works facility project continues moving forward.
  • The Middle Road sidewalk project remains in planning and design.

 

Trend: Infrastructure and the budget are the biggest issues in Falmouth right now.

 

Westbrook

  • Downtown and mill district redevelopment continues.
  • Housing development remains a major focus for the city.
  • Riverfront and downtown investment continues to drive growth.

 

Trend: Westbrook continues positioning itself as a growth and redevelopment city in the region.

 

Scarborough

  • Continued housing and mixed-use development discussions.
  • School and municipal budget planning underway.
  • Ongoing development pressure along the Route 1 corridor.

 

Trend: Scarborough continues to manage rapid growth and school enrollment pressures.

 

Regional Trends to Watch

Across Greater Portland, the biggest issues right now are:

  • Housing development and affordability
  • Municipal budgets and rising costs
  • Infrastructure and public works projects
  • Long-term planning and zoning
  • Downtown and commercial development

 

Bottom Line

Every community in Greater Portland is dealing with the same core issue: growth, how to manage it, where to put housing, and how to pay for infrastructure.