As the Republican primary battle heats up heading into Florida, Michael A. Fletcher asks the question that many residents of the state are considering: how do the candidates propose addressing the housing crisis?
President Obama has acknowledged that his housing policies have been ineffective, so the candidates for the Republican Party nomination have a wide opening in which to address the state's most pressing economic and employment issue, while taking on the President at the same time.
According to Fletcher, "That might sound like a political opportunity for the GOP candidates, particularly in Florida, which is seen as pivotal to their party's chances to capture the White House. But so far, the candidates have not been specific on how they would address the housing problem."
"This is truly a no-win situation if you are a Republican candidate," said Jaret Seiberg, a senior policy analyst with Guggenheim Partners' Washington Research Group. "Every answer requires more government help. There is no cheap or easy way to fix housing. So from their perspective, you are better off ignoring the problem than trying to put a plan forward."
FULL STORY: Florida primary forces GOP candidates to face the dreaded housing question

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)