Housing
Emergency Assistance Has Helped Renters, but Hurdles Remain
Research shows pandemic rent relief programs made a significant difference for struggling renters.
How Adaptive Reuse Can Ease the Housing Crisis
An analysis of Los Angeles properties found that the city could make a significant impact on its housing shortage by converting commercial buildings to housing.
How Democratic Is Zoning?
One common argument against pro-housing zoning reform is that local or neighborhood control of housing policy is more democratic than the alternatives. This theory, if taken seriously, leads to absurd results.
Housing Initiative Inches Closer to San Francisco Voters
Housing advocates hope a charter amendment that would streamline the development approval process will make it to the November ballot.
Tacoma Density Plan Moves to Phase Two
The Home in Tacoma plan would amend the city's zoning code to include more 'missing middle' housing types and encourage infill development.
San Diego Moving Forward With No-Fault Eviction Moratorium
Unlike the no-fault eviction protections being considered in other states and cities, San Diego's new eviction moratorium is timed to coincide with the ongoing economic and public health emergency presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
An Uncommon Success for Housing Vouchers in Wichita
While less than a fifth of housing vouchers are utilized nationwide, Wichita has distributed around 70 percent of the vouchers allocated to the city.
Opinion: Second Avenue Subway Should Come With Zoning Changes
Increasing density in the neighborhoods surrounding the new subway stops would bring more affordable, transit-adjacent housing to East Harlem and boost ridership.
Study: How California Can Shift Away From Car-Oriented Development
While the state continues to rely on driving as a primary means of transportation, fighting climate change and the worsening housing crisis means implementing policies that encourage infill development, higher density, and public transit.
Opinion: Revise Zoning and Tax Codes To Support Adaptive Reuse of NYC Office Space
With office buildings facing an uncertain future in their current form, cities can tweak regulations to encourage innovative new uses.
U.S. Faces Historic Housing Shortages, With Roots in the Recession and Local Zoning Restrictions
The long-term effects of the Great Recession were timed very poorly for millions of Millennials aging into homebuying years. The pandemic and the traditional zoning preferences of communities aren't doing first-time homebuyers any favors.
Why California Should Not, Cannot Solve Its Housing Crisis By Building New Cities
A recent essay advocates for the development of a new city in California to alleviate the state's housing crisis. The argument needs a few tweaks.
More SB 9 Drama: L.A. County Cities Sue California
Four Southern California cities are calling SB9 unconstitutional in the fight to retain local control over zoning codes and housing density.
HOAs Fight Back Against Institutional Investors
A growing number of homeowners associations around the country are using old legal tools to keep institutional investors from buying up, and renting out, the neighborhood.
Michigan Bill To Inject Nearly $5 Billion in Infrastructure, Housing
A bill signed by the state's governor, Gretchen Whitmer, allocates billions in federal and state funding to water quality, roads and dams, broadband, and other infrastructure projects.
Gainesville Weighs Zoning Reform Proposal
The northern Florida city could follow others in removing barriers to building accessory dwelling units and multifamily buildings in neighborhoods currently zoned for single-family homes. Some local residents oppose the plan.
Auburn, Maine Approves New Residential and Commercial Densities Despite Public Outcry
Auburn, Maine offers the latest an example of a small city deciding to increase its capacity for future development in response to housing pressure, even in the face of intense public opposition.
How Hidden Property Owners and Bad Landlord Patterns Are Revealed in NYC
New housing tools in New York City demystify building ownership information and identify problematic landlord behavior. What would it take to replicate them?
California's Extended Tenant Protections a Mixed Bag
While state lawmakers rush to pass extended eviction protection for struggling Californians, tenant advocates say the new law could nullify local rent relief initiatives and exclude tenants who miss the application deadline.
California Not Creating Affordable Housing Quickly Enough, Audit Finds
The audit points to inefficiencies in the state's process for identifying and using surplus properties to create affordable housing.
Pagination
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello