Housing

Report: $32 Billion in Capital Investment Needed at the New York Housing Authority

In addition to laying out the incredible expense of bringing the public housing of New York City into good repair, the Citizens Budget Commission also included recommendations for how to cover those costs.

July 5, 2018 - Crain's New York Business

No Parking Minimums and Also No Housing Development

Los Angeles is hoping that changes to the Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan will finally yield new residential developments.

July 5, 2018 - Urbanize LA

Denver, Colorado

Denver Law Would End Source-of-Income Discrimination

The law would prohibit Denver landlords from refusing Section 8 vouchers as rental payment.

July 5, 2018 - Denverite

Salt Lake City, Utah

Editorial Board: The Suburbs Need to Make Room for New Residents

Utah has generally made room for single-family homes in the past, but the Salt Lake Tribune thinks its time for new plans as the state faces demographic changes and worsening affordability.

July 3, 2018 - The Salt Lake Tribune

Metro Map

L.A. Wants to Be the Epicenter of New Transportation Technology

Gabe Klein of CityFi outlines how Los Angeles is planning on implementing the Urban Mobility in a Digital Age report.

July 3, 2018 - The Planning Report

Germany

Learning From Europe: Part 2 (Or, You Can't Have It All)

It is indeed possible to have a city full of low-rise buildings that is still compact enough for excellent transit service—but only if most side streets are used for mid-rise buildings instead of houses.

July 3, 2018 - Michael Lewyn

Homeless

$2 Billion Bond Measure on California Ballot to House the Mentally Ill Homeless

The revenue bonds would be funded from a millionaires' surtax, approved by voters in 2004, to pay for health programs, but not housing, for the mentally ill. Also on ballot: a $4 billion general obligation bond measure to fund housing for veterans.

July 2, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Supreme Court of the United States

The New Supreme Court and the Future of Fair Housing

The retirement of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy introduces the possibility that a future court will overturn the doctrine of disparate impact central to fair housing practices and policies.

July 2, 2018 - CityLab

Homeless

The 'Find It, Fix It' App Increasingly Used to Roust the Homeless

Seattle's Find It, Fix It app plays a telling role in the city's approach to its homeless population. The question is whether the app is fixing anything for the people living on the street.

July 1, 2018 - The Atlantic

South Lake Union

Seattle Landlords Scrambling to Fill Growing Number of Empty Apartments

Vacancy rates are up to 7.5 percent in greater Seattle, and many landlords are offering deals like a month's free rent.

July 1, 2018 - The Seattle Times

U.S. Housing Too Expensive and Too Cheap at the Same Time

Whether or not U.S. housing is affordable comes down not only to cost but also to wages. Both vary dramatically from city to city.

July 1, 2018 - The Brookings Institute

Washington D.C.

Behind-Schedule Shelters and Behind-the-Scenes Problems at D.C. Department of General Services

The Department of General Services, Washington D.C.'s department in charge of constructing homeless shelters, has seen rapid turnover and is reportedly struggling with low morale.

June 29, 2018 - Washington City Paper

Google Headquarters

Google Tax to Appear on November Ballot in Mountain View, California

If a majority of the city's voters approve the city-sponsored ballot measure, business license fees will change from a flat $30 annual fee to a new tax based on the number of employees, with the largest employer, Google, to pay $3.3 million.

June 29, 2018 - San Francisco Chronicle

Trailer Park

Manufactured Homes for Affordability

When President Reagan slashed funding for low-income housing in the '80s, he set off a boom in manufactured housing. Now some think these homes might offer relief for those struggling to afford a home.

June 29, 2018 - CityLab

San Diego, California

San Diego Not Even Close to Meeting Permanent Housing Goals for Homeless

The city’s new $6.5 million "bridge shelters" are providing a place to stay, but not accomplishing what they set out to do.

June 28, 2018 - San Diego Union-Tribune

Construction Worker

Report: Multi-Family Construction Outpacing Demand in Some Parts of the Country

A report on multi-family construction around the country explains why the rent is rising so slowly in the Dallas area despite large employment gains.

June 27, 2018 - The Dallas Morning News

Cupertino, California

California's Law to Streamline Housing Already Having a Big Effect

A mega-project adding 2,402 units of housing, including 1,201 affordable units, is on a fast track to approval in Cupertino, California, thanks to a 2017 state law.

June 27, 2018 - The San Francisco Chcronicle

Goose Island Chicago

After Scrutiny Regarding Affordable Housing Policy, Emanuel Proposes New Chicago Department of Housing

Chicago's current housing policies aren't protecting or producing affordable housing in gentrifying areas, so Mayor Rahm Emanuel is proposing a restructuring of the government. Advocates are skeptical of the idea.

June 26, 2018 - Chicago Tribune

Expo Line LA Skyline

LA Times: City Council Should Take Responsibility for Lack of Transit Oriented Development

The Los Angeles Times editorial board has strong words for the Los Angeles City Council about planning for transit oriented development.

June 26, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Denver Union STation TOD

To Make the Most of Transit Oriented Development, Include Affordable Housing

Low-income residents are more likely to use transit, and transit needs riders. The relationship seems ripe for mutual benefit.

June 26, 2018 - TransitCenter

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.