Housing

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18, 2024 - Beverly Press

Aerial view of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin at sunset

Milwaukee Considers Zoning Reform

The city is looking for ways to boost housing production, anticipating a growing population.

March 17, 2024 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Close-up of Californis state capitol dome with U.S., California, and POW/MIA flags on flagpole.

California's Lone Ballot Measure: Too Close To Call

Unlike on prior election days, California voters had only one state proposition to decide on March 5, a combination $6 billion general obligation bond and a restructuring of an income surtax, both dealing with behavioral health and homelessness.

March 15, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Two black modular units with glass doors and wood accents in an industrial warehouse.

Policy Prescriptions for Modular Housing

Tweaks to building codes, zoning regulations, and financing mechanisms could unlock the potential of modular construction in the United States.

March 15, 2024 - Center for American Progress

Intersection in downtown Los Angeles with pedestrians crossing, vintage building across street, and modern glass office tower in background.

LA Zoning Reforms Could Yield Up to 250,000 New Homes

A draft plan would speed up permitting for residential projects with an affordability component and make more buildings eligible for adaptive reuse.

March 14, 2024 - The Center Square

Aerial view of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with dense, low-rise housing in foreground.

A Better Understanding of Smart Growth Benefits

Smart Growth creates compact, multimodal communities where residents consume less land, drive less, and rely more on non-auto modes. Planners have important stories to tell about the benefits of Smart Growth.

March 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Aerial view of Salt Lake City skyline

Utah’s Affordable Housing Supply Dwindling

Rents and home prices are skyrocketing, forcing many residents to make difficult decisions or move out of major cities.

March 13, 2024 - KUTV

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Square wood-frame home under construction.

Proposed Federal Actions on Housing Fail to Address Inadequate Supply

A set of proposed policies would give tax relief to homebuyers and owners, but experts say a mismatch between supply and demand remains at the root of the crisis.

March 12, 2024 - CNN

Row of mobile homes in 55+ community in Oceano, California.

How Resident-Owned Mobile Home Parks Can Protect Affordable Housing

Cooperative ownership can provide housing stability for low-income residents and protect them from land rent spikes and poor management.

March 12, 2024 - The Daily Yonder

Colorado State Capitol Building

Colorado Zoning Reform Yields Slow Results — For Now

An ambitious set of zoning reforms largely fell flat as developers rushed to submit project applications before new affordable housing requirements took effect.

March 11, 2024 - The Denver Post

Nighttime view of St. Petersburg, Florida skyline.

Florida Could Criminalize Outdoor Sleeping

A proposed bill would bar sleeping in public parks and other public property.

March 11, 2024 - ABC Action News

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Capitol Hill

Proposed Changes to LIHTC Approved by US House

If passed by the Senate, it would represent the most significant reform to the LIHTC in decades. Some say it’s still not enough.

March 10, 2024 - Bisnow

Aerial view of large building under construction with cranes against sunset sky in downtown Charlotteville, Virginia.

Opinion: Local Governments Must Take Urgent Action on Affordable Housing Funds

Cities and states have until the end of the year to decide how to spend federal affordable housing dollars.

March 10, 2024 - Governing

Red hand lit up as "don't walk" pedestrian signal.

Washington State’s Unhoused Residents Receive Close to Half of Jaywalking Tickets

Homeless people make up 0.4 percent of the state’s population but receive over 40 percent of jaywalking tickets.

March 8, 2024 - The Seattle Times

Office Building

6 Key Factors That Make Office Buildings Prime for Conversion

A building’s potential for adaptive reuse is based on a variety of characteristics.

March 8, 2024 - Columbus Business First

Aerial view of manufactured homes on green lawn.

HUD Reforms to Manufactured Housing Policy Could Unlock More Affordable Homes

The agency took a series of steps to make manufactured homes, often excluded from neighborhoods and loan programs, more accessible and affordable.

March 7, 2024 - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

People ride bikes past outdoor restaurant patio with misters in Culdesac car-free development, Tempe, Arizona.

Car-Free Arizona Suburb Gains Residents

The project, dubbed Culdesac, offers EV rentals, free light rail passes, and other perks instead of private parking.

March 6, 2024 - Fast Company

Two-lane asphalt road with smoke filling the sky in Texas Panhandle.

Texas Faces Higher Wildfire Risks

Climate change is causing more destructive wildfires, prompting home insurers to reconsider coverage in the state.

March 6, 2024 - The New York Times

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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

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