The Powell Perspective™

07/03/2025

Publius

How the Constitution Constrains Presidential Overreach Against the States

This article analyzes constitutional mechanisms that limit presidential overreach targeting state governments, emphasizing the separation of powers and anti-commandeering doctrine. It argues that existing legal frameworks provide states with actionable pathways to challenge federal power abuses, particularly through judicial review of executive actions exceeding constitutional authority. The discussion highlights how structural federalism principles inherently resist centralized overreach.
Full article - https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/how-constitution-constrains-presidential-overreach-against-states

Have the Trump administration's actions put the US into a constitutional crisis?

This piece examines whether recent executive actions constitute a constitutional crisis, defined as scenarios where governmental powers bypass constitutional limits or create irreconcilable governance conflicts. It cites specific controversies including the administration's freeze of congressionally allocated funds and attempts to nullify birthright citizenship, alongside over 180 state-led lawsuits challenging executive orders. The analysis underscores judicial and state-level efforts to enforce constitutional boundaries amid these tensions.
Full article - https://www.theusconstitution.org/news/have-the-trump-administrations-actions-put-the-us-into-a-constitutional-crisis/

The RE Doctor

Housing Production Plan Town of Millbury 2025

This article details Millbury's comprehensive housing strategy to address affordability and diversity through initiatives like accessory dwelling units (ADUs), mixed-use developments, and zoning revisions, aiming to promote workforce housing and sustainable community growth.
Full article - https://www.millburyma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4706/f/uploads/millbury_housing_production_plan_2025_-_public_comment.pdf

The article explores how hospitality-inspired housing, community-focused retail, and adaptive reuse of urban spaces are revolutionizing mixed-use developments to enhance connectivity and flexibility in modern cities.
Full article - https://www.dlrgroup.com/idea/trends-mixed-use-design-2025/

Skier Tom

Teen Instructor Program (TIPS) at Stratton

This article details Stratton Mountain's Teen Instructor Program (TIPS), an eight-day training course for aspiring junior ski and snowboard instructors aged 14-17. The curriculum covers PSIA/AASI Level 1 standards, movement analysis, child-specific lesson development, and safety protocols, with sessions held over four weekends in the 2024-2025 season. Successful graduates receive lift tickets during training and become eligible for hiring at Stratton's Mountain Sports School. Full article - https://www.stratton.com/plan-your-trip/snowboarding-ski-lessons/seasonal-programs-camps/tips

UIAA Mountain Qualifications Label for International Instructor Certification

This article explores the UIAA's international certification program for mountaineering and climbing instructors, including ski-mountaineering leaders. It covers the rigorous accreditation process for eight activity categories, emphasizing safety standards, technical proficiency, and teaching competencies required for mountain leadership. The UIAA also offers supplemental training workshops to enhance instructors' technical and communication skills. Full article - https://www.theuiaa.org/training/

Founder's Paradox

The Perils of Founder Worship

This article examines the risks of elevating startup founders to near-mythical status, arguing that it leads to weakened governance and heightened litigation exposure. It advocates for early adoption of ethics codes, rigorous VC due diligence, traditional board structures, and proactive regulatory compliance to counterbalance founder-centric cultures. The piece uses high-profile failures like FTX to illustrate how "founder worship" can undermine accountability and legal safeguards. Full article - https://clsbluesky.law.columbia.edu/2025/05/20/the-perils-of-founder-worship/

The Reality of Corporate Governance for Start-ups

This guide outlines scalable governance frameworks for startups, emphasizing that structure enhances—rather than hinders—agility. It recommends starting with advisory boards and transparent decision-making, evolving toward formal boards with independent directors as the company grows. Key strategies include adopting essential policies incrementally and fostering a culture of accountability to balance innovation with operational discipline. Full article - https://www.chrysalix.com/news_insights/the-reality-of-corporate-governance-for-start-ups

Secrets of Capital Raising

Innovative Capital Raising Strategies for 2025

This article outlines groundbreaking approaches to capital acquisition, including pre-sales campaigns for market validation, systematic competition prize stacking, and strategic enterprise partnerships. It emphasizes leveraging content creation for investor conversion and government grant combinations, while highlighting how outsourced CFOs optimize financial packaging and valuation by 20-40%.
https://preferredcfo.com/insights/from-bootstrap-to-billions-your-ultimate-guide-to-raising-capital-in-2025

Early-Stage Fundraising Funnel Dynamics

Focusing on data-driven tactics, this piece analyzes the 2025 seed fundraising pipeline: contacting 200+ investors yields 60+ meetings, narrowing to 20-30 follow-ups for a successful $3-4M round. It stresses rigorous preparation of financial dashboards and data rooms, while advocating diversified funding sources like revenue-based financing to avoid binary outcomes.
https://www.rightsidecapital.com/blog/navigating-the-2025-fundraising-landscape-strategic-insights-for-early-stage-startups