Housing
Court Overrules San Jose on California Housing Law
A court ruling means a state law intended to spur affordable housing development by providing incentives for the sale of surplus public land will apply equally in every city in California.
Rents Drop in Twin Cities Despite lack of Affordable Housing Construction
Rental prices dropped in Minneapolis and St. Paul in October 2019, but it's too soon to infer lessons from the change in the market.
D.C. Training Resident Building Inspectors
A new program enables everyday citizens the chance to work as building inspectors in the nation's capital.
Calling for More Humane Treatment, and News Coverage, of the Homeless
Two articles raise questions about the state of humanity, as evidenced by the way news organizations and politicians write and talk about the homeless.
Help Wanted: HUD Seeks Info About Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is crowdsourcing information about the regulatory barriers to affordable housing.
U.S. Migration Reaches 72-Year Low
Staying in place is more and more the norm, even among historically mobile young people.
Multi-Family Leads Recent Housing Uptick in California
With stronger state mandates kicking in, California housing permits rose sharply in September. But as one construction industry commentator noted, an uptick isn't a trend.
Study: Boomers Leaving Their Homes Will Dramatically Increase Housing Supply
New analysis by Zillow predicts a "Silver Tsunami" of residential properties coming to the market as Baby Boomers leave the housing market. The effect could be like the housing boom of the mid-2000s.
Evaluating the Results of New Protections for Affordable Housing Development
California's Senate Bill 35 is touted by affordable housing advocates and other pro-development forces as an example of what good developments can happen when local obstructions are moved out of the way by the state.
Major Milestone for Chicago-Area Land Bank
The Cook County Land Bank Authority recently participated in its 500th rehab project. Homeowners and entrepreneurs have benefitted along the way.
Federal Housing Administration Expands Housing Rehab Support to Opportunity Zones
The Limited 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program will now be available in federally designated Opportunity Zones, and with more to loan than in the previous iteration of the program.
How One Startup Approaches Rent-To-Own
Founded two years ago, Divvy buys homes for cash and then leases them to tenants who apply part of their rent toward a down payment.
Seattle Companies Want to Drive Down Prohibitive ADU Costs
Legal barriers to accessory dwelling units may be disappearing in some places, but costs can still be prohibitive. Several companies are stepping forward with more affordable options.
Vancouver Making Room for More Apartments
As a response to rising rental prices and low vacancy rates, Vancouver planners have created a package of zoning and process changes to provide incentives for new multi-family developments.
Controversial Housing Development Nixed in South L.A.
The local planning commission for South Los Angeles rejected a controversial multi-family housing development proposed for a location adjacent to a future light rail station.
No 'Housing Choice' Bill in Massachusetts This Year
The key item on the housing agenda of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will have to wait until next year.
L.A. Crafting Legislation for 'Anti-Displacement Zones'
The idea that new development results in rising costs for renters in the surrounding neighborhood drives a new effort in Los Angeles.
Seasoned Developer Opines on California’s Housing Crisis
Bill Witte, CEO and chairman of Related California, discusses how state and local governments ought to respond to the state’s challenges with housing affordability, growth in homelessness, and 'missing middle' housing supply.
Proposed $250 Million Blight Removal Bond Fails in Detroit
The Detroit City Council dealt a blow to Mayor Mike Duggan by rejecting the mayor's signature blight reduction proposal.
Ontario Upholds Toronto's Airbnb Regulations
The vacancy rate in Toronto has been estimated as low 1.1 percent, but the province has approved regulations intended to restore units that have been taken off the long-term rental market by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb.
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
