What is the appropriate level of subsidization that affordable housing developers should receive? The article also describes New York City's unique inclusionary housing benefits.
"The shortage of affordable housing in NYT was a big issue in the recent mayor's race; and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says he intends to create or preserve 165,000 low-income units by 2013."
"Although the federal government once took the lead in creating low-income housing, federal financing has dwindled. Now, the job falls heavily to nonprofit and private developers."
"But it is the responsibility of government to provide the least subsidy necessary to ensure affordability, housing experts say. The interests of the government and the developer should be in tension...The question arises: What are reasonable - or unreasonable costs?"
"In neighborhoods becoming increasingly prosperous, a developer who builds affordable housing can earn certain inclusionary housing benefits entitling him, or another developer, to build market-rate housing nearby at greater density than would otherwise be allowed." This program also promotes mixed-income housing.
FULL STORY: Plans to Build Low-Rent Units Raise Question on Subsidies
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie