Washington, D.C. might prohibit landlords from asking tenants for criminal histories, at least at first pass.
Under a bill awaiting consideration by the D.C. Council, landlords would not be allowed to ask about prospective tenant’s criminal histories before extending a conditional housing offer.
Jen Kinney reports that the measure is designed to "level the playing field" for the approximately 60,000 D.C. residents with conviction records. In April of this year, HUD affirmed that denying housing based on a criminal record alone violates fair housing rules.
After extending the conditional offer, landlords could review certain serious or violent convictions that have occurred in the past seven years. They would then have the option to revoke the offer.
Inability to find housing is acknowledged as a major factor in prison recidivism, particularly since housing security can lay a "foundation" for stable employment, family connections, and healthcare.
Ban-the-box legislation on employment applications exists in more than 100 cities and counties, as well as 13 states, Next City notes. D.C. joins Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans as one of the few cities to consider banning the box in the housing sector.
FULL STORY: D.C. Moves to Ban the Box on Housing Applications
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
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.