Hector Arbuckle
@hectorarbuckle.bsky.social
Iowan in DC. Born this side of the millennium. Italianate architecture stan. I love a good corn maize!
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
I think it’s time to ask the question: at least in California, where local governments have very little authority over taxes and spending, what is even the point of local government?
I don’t think it is a valid or reasonable use of state power to freeze land use at a certain density
I don’t think it is a valid or reasonable use of state power to freeze land use at a certain density
A loophole in last year’s major housing law splits Democrats on local zoning
California Democrats are still divided over a controversial law the governor signed last year to build more housing near major transportation hubs.
calmatters.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:27 PM
I think it’s time to ask the question: at least in California, where local governments have very little authority over taxes and spending, what is even the point of local government?
I don’t think it is a valid or reasonable use of state power to freeze land use at a certain density
I don’t think it is a valid or reasonable use of state power to freeze land use at a certain density
What is the best New Urbanist development in Maryland and why?
February 4, 2026 at 7:17 PM
What is the best New Urbanist development in Maryland and why?
We must figure out how to mass-produce this. I will accept no excuses ^_^
February 4, 2026 at 2:20 AM
We must figure out how to mass-produce this. I will accept no excuses ^_^
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
The fundamental thrust of totalitarianism is that the government dictates terms of how every aspect of every organization, as well as your own life, operates. The Soviet Union, the Nazis, the modern PRC, all have commissars in every org to ensure they follow the government political line.
Breaking news: The Pentagon issued a warning to Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts, saying the organization risks losing its long-standing partnership with the U.S. military unless it rapidly implements “core value reforms.”
Pentagon warns Scouts to restore ‘core values’ or lose military support
The relationship dates back decades, but Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized the organization for allowing girls to join and changing its name from Boy Scouts.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:54 PM
The fundamental thrust of totalitarianism is that the government dictates terms of how every aspect of every organization, as well as your own life, operates. The Soviet Union, the Nazis, the modern PRC, all have commissars in every org to ensure they follow the government political line.
I forgot how much I love CyRide
February 4, 2026 at 1:11 AM
I forgot how much I love CyRide
Can someone please inform me what will stancil did to deserve the hate?
February 4, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Can someone please inform me what will stancil did to deserve the hate?
Turns out that policies based on cruelty were pushed through by cruel people - who'd have thunk?
February 3, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Turns out that policies based on cruelty were pushed through by cruel people - who'd have thunk?
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
Definitely seems like they destroyed the country on purpose.
February 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Definitely seems like they destroyed the country on purpose.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
But please tell me again how zoning reform does not result in more housing being built.
After adopting housing reforms that included eliminating parking mandates and increased density limits throughout the city, Bothell has seen a major jump in pre-applications for residential projects.
Average number of units entering pre-application over the past 5 years: 580
In 2025: 1000+
Average number of units entering pre-application over the past 5 years: 580
In 2025: 1000+
February 3, 2026 at 6:10 AM
But please tell me again how zoning reform does not result in more housing being built.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
Guest opinion: Electrify the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line (L.A. to Palmdale at least) for an initial relatively cheap high-speed rail connection. cal.streetsblog.org/2026/01/29/o...
OpEd: How High-Speed Rail Could Reach LA by 2039...Without Waiting for the Mountains - Streetsblog California
California high-speed rail’s biggest unresolved problem is not in the Central Valley. It is south of Palmdale. Under current plans, high-speed trains are expected to reach San Francisco by 2039 while ...
cal.streetsblog.org
February 2, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Guest opinion: Electrify the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line (L.A. to Palmdale at least) for an initial relatively cheap high-speed rail connection. cal.streetsblog.org/2026/01/29/o...
This doesn't make sense. Wouldn't removing parking minimums and lot coverage restrictions allow relatively low-cost wood frame additions that could be rented out? Removal of density limits would also allow homeowners to rent out parts of large houses more easily.
you could eliminate zoning in most US cities right now and it's will do basically nothing to address affordable housing crises
Shapiro is "expected to pitch a sweeping, $1 billion housing and infrastructure plan to cut red tape and reform zoning rules, as housing costs in the state remain high and availability low, though the details of the plan were unclear Monday afternoon." www.inquirer.com/politics/pen...
February 3, 2026 at 5:48 PM
This doesn't make sense. Wouldn't removing parking minimums and lot coverage restrictions allow relatively low-cost wood frame additions that could be rented out? Removal of density limits would also allow homeowners to rent out parts of large houses more easily.
@dingbattitude.bsky.social Hey Dingbattitude! Do you have any floorplans of old-school dingbats available? I'm wondering if they could be a feasible housing typology in Iowa - there isn't any seismic risk here that I know of.
February 3, 2026 at 5:01 PM
@dingbattitude.bsky.social Hey Dingbattitude! Do you have any floorplans of old-school dingbats available? I'm wondering if they could be a feasible housing typology in Iowa - there isn't any seismic risk here that I know of.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
Got my new T-shirt today!
voiceofdissentwear.etsy.com/listing/4419...
voiceofdissentwear.etsy.com/listing/4419...
January 19, 2026 at 1:30 AM
Got my new T-shirt today!
voiceofdissentwear.etsy.com/listing/4419...
voiceofdissentwear.etsy.com/listing/4419...
Is there any reason why height and density standards should be different in different parts of a city? Separating industrial uses is logical, but is there anything aside from a desire for segregation that could justify allowing tall buildings in one area and not another? Transportation access?
February 2, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Is there any reason why height and density standards should be different in different parts of a city? Separating industrial uses is logical, but is there anything aside from a desire for segregation that could justify allowing tall buildings in one area and not another? Transportation access?
It would be great if we had something like Ellis Island again - centers around the world where people could apply to enter the US legally and have a good chance of being accepted.
I think Americans think "legal" means checking in at Ellis Island while illegal is "climbing a barbed wire fence in the desert" and there is no in between.
The average American has no clue about how immigration actually works in the 21st Century.
The average American has no clue about how immigration actually works in the 21st Century.
February 2, 2026 at 8:16 PM
It would be great if we had something like Ellis Island again - centers around the world where people could apply to enter the US legally and have a good chance of being accepted.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
And not to put too fine a point on it, but a president who ran on eliminating “illegal” immigrants created a ton more “illegal” immigrants by canceling a bunch of actual real legal statuses. He took people off the path that everyone says they want people on.
I genuinely have no idea how to convey this to the American people, but I think the biggest impediment to any kind of immigration reform is that people are convinced that "legal" and "illegal" are immutable, intrinsic categories instead of a rapidly-shifting arbitrary constellation of regulations.
February 2, 2026 at 4:29 AM
And not to put too fine a point on it, but a president who ran on eliminating “illegal” immigrants created a ton more “illegal” immigrants by canceling a bunch of actual real legal statuses. He took people off the path that everyone says they want people on.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
I want them to make the argument that immigration is GOOD ALWAYS and AMERICAN ALWAYS and that they proudly, openly support MORE immigrants coming to America MORE easily.
And I want their slogan to be "Pro-Immigration, Pro-Liberty"
And also universal healthcare.
And I want their slogan to be "Pro-Immigration, Pro-Liberty"
And also universal healthcare.
February 2, 2026 at 7:41 PM
I want them to make the argument that immigration is GOOD ALWAYS and AMERICAN ALWAYS and that they proudly, openly support MORE immigrants coming to America MORE easily.
And I want their slogan to be "Pro-Immigration, Pro-Liberty"
And also universal healthcare.
And I want their slogan to be "Pro-Immigration, Pro-Liberty"
And also universal healthcare.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
Here's what I want from Democratic candidates.
I want ads where they read Emma Lazarus's THE NEW COLOSSUS set against images of the Statue of Liberty
I want them to emphasize, LOUDLY, the words:
Give me your tired
Your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
I want ads where they read Emma Lazarus's THE NEW COLOSSUS set against images of the Statue of Liberty
I want them to emphasize, LOUDLY, the words:
Give me your tired
Your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
February 2, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Here's what I want from Democratic candidates.
I want ads where they read Emma Lazarus's THE NEW COLOSSUS set against images of the Statue of Liberty
I want them to emphasize, LOUDLY, the words:
Give me your tired
Your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
I want ads where they read Emma Lazarus's THE NEW COLOSSUS set against images of the Statue of Liberty
I want them to emphasize, LOUDLY, the words:
Give me your tired
Your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free
@jahorne.bsky.social Is there much ridership on the southeastern branch of the light rail to Cromwell compared to the airport segment?
February 2, 2026 at 7:34 PM
@jahorne.bsky.social Is there much ridership on the southeastern branch of the light rail to Cromwell compared to the airport segment?
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
City transportation official opts for white line and signage instead of gate to keep their baby off the stairs.
February 2, 2026 at 4:15 PM
City transportation official opts for white line and signage instead of gate to keep their baby off the stairs.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
🥵🥵🥵
February 1, 2026 at 7:11 AM
🥵🥵🥵
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
our comp plan is a public health and livability nightmare - funneling affordable housing and renters on to loud, dangerous, and polluted streets that are difficult to cross - while protecting homeowners from the arterial
renters continue to be fodder to protect wealthy.
this sucks so much.
renters continue to be fodder to protect wealthy.
this sucks so much.
In honor of the City finally releasing the Corridor maps, this sketch illustrates why living on an arterial is not the same as being close to transit.
February 1, 2026 at 8:38 PM
our comp plan is a public health and livability nightmare - funneling affordable housing and renters on to loud, dangerous, and polluted streets that are difficult to cross - while protecting homeowners from the arterial
renters continue to be fodder to protect wealthy.
this sucks so much.
renters continue to be fodder to protect wealthy.
this sucks so much.
Reposted by Hector Arbuckle
In honor of the City finally releasing the Corridor maps, this sketch illustrates why living on an arterial is not the same as being close to transit.
February 1, 2026 at 6:31 PM
In honor of the City finally releasing the Corridor maps, this sketch illustrates why living on an arterial is not the same as being close to transit.
This style of apartment building is everywhere in San Francisco. Does anyone have a floorplan for it?
February 1, 2026 at 7:46 PM
This style of apartment building is everywhere in San Francisco. Does anyone have a floorplan for it?