A new study finds that the number of units available to those with a disability is insufficient to meet the growing needs of an aging population.
A new study released by Harvard University has found that the stock of housing suitable to meet the needs of the disabled is woefully insufficient. CityLab's Gillian B. White reports that among the study's findings are that nearly 7 million renter households in the United States include a member with a disability. The number of rental units outfitted with the necessary enhancements to serve those with disabilities, including lowered light fixtures and wider doors to accommodate wheelchairs, among others, is only 1 percent of all rental units (or 365,000 apartment units). White notes that the findings are significant for the country’s aging population.
Thinking about the quality of the rental stock is especially important now, as the population of the U.S. is starting to skew older and the share of Baby Boomers who rent instead of own increases. In fact, the over-50 age group has grown significantly in the past decade, making up more than 50 percent of all rental growth during that period. As this cohort ages, it’s going to be a problem that so few rentals cater to those who, say, have difficulty walking or suffer from chronic arthritis.
FULL STORY: The Housing Crisis for Americans With Disabilities
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Divvy Introduces E-Bike Charging Docks
New, circular docks let e-bikes charge at stations, eliminating the need for frequent battery swaps.
How Freeway Projects Impact Climate Resilience
In addition to displacement and public health impacts, highway expansions can also make communities less resilient to flooding and other climate-related disasters.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.