CANADA

Central Alberta property taxes on the rise after years of near-zero increases
Red Deer Advocate
The days of near-zero per cent tax increases in central Alberta communities appear to be over. Blackfalds was the most recent municipality to pass its operating and capital budgets, which will be paid for partly through a 4.76 per cent municipal tax increase. The rate for school taxes, which are collected on behalf of the province, won't be known until the spring.

NATIONAL 

Green Factories Are Changing Minds in More Conservative US States
Yahoo Finance
At least $25.7 billion in new US clean-energy factories are in the works, thanks in part to the generous subsidies in President Joe Biden's landmark climate law. Most of these projects — and the jobs that come with them — are in traditionally conservative states.

ILLINOIS

Michigan Avenue landlords are in a bind
Crain's Chicago Business
Michigan Avenue landlords are in a bind. They're servicing debt on buildings acquired in the past five to 10 years when prices were more robust, if not inflated. Now they're trying to lease space that was configured 15 years ago, renegotiate leases and manage requests for breaks on rent.

TEXAS

Ousted chief appraiser to get $150,000, retirement benefits in split from DCAD
dentonrc.com
Through a public records request, the Denton Record-Chronicle obtained a copy of the separation agreement between the Denton Central Appraisal District and its former chief appraiser, Hope McClure. Here's a breakdown of the agreement, which includes a $126,500 severance payment and other benefits.