Housing

Tiny Home Village for the Homeless to Expand in Austin

Political support and a new capital campaign are helping to expand the tiny home concept as a solution to homelessness in Austin, Texas.

November 16, 2017 - Curbed Austin

Gentrification

Ending the Affordable Housing Supply Debate

There is hope that affordable housing advocates will agree that adding supply at any price point can help provide affordable housing as a result.

November 16, 2017 - City Observatory

Vacant Lot

Oakland to Turn Vacant Properties into Affordable Housing

Oakland pilot program to buy up vacant lots and properties, whose owners have defaulted on their property taxes, to transform them into low- and medium-income housing.

November 15, 2017 - CBS

Tenderloin District

Rent Control's Mixed Effects in San Francisco

As California debates the future of rent control in its municipalities, a group of Stanford economists have conducted research that connects San Francisco's existing policy with higher housing costs.

November 14, 2017 - The Mercury News

Japan Prefab

Lessons on the Future of Prefab Housing from Japan

When it comes to prefabricated housing, Japan is far ahead of the rest of the world. Will techniques from Japan's efficient modular home manufacturers inform a growing prefab industry in the United States?

November 14, 2017 - Curbed

British Columbia

Analysis: Vancouver Housing Affordability Worsens Despite Foreign Buyer Tax

The trends in the Vancouver housing market have reverted back to normal, after a foreign buyers tax that went into effect in 2016 had an initial effect on parts of the market.

November 14, 2017 - CBC News

San Francisco Sprawl

Investigation Reveals Abuses of Affordable Housing Program in San Francisco

Every bit of affordable housing helps in expensive San Francisco, but some residents in the city's "Below Market Rental" units are illegally renting those units for thousands of dollars a month.

November 13, 2017 - KPIX

Brooklyn Construction

High Rents: Are Construction Costs the Culprit?

Rejecting the common argument that cities can never be affordable because of high construction costs.

November 12, 2017 - Michael Lewyn

Seattle SUper Bowl Parade 12th Man Flag

Mandatory Housing Affordability Details Released in Seattle

Seattle has released the long-awaited environmental impact statement for the Mandatory Housing Affordability program—a final step in the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda process launched by former Mayor Ed Murray.

November 12, 2017 - Seattle Met

Los Angeles, California

UCLA Students Want More Say in Local Development Matters

UCLA Graduate Students Association President Michael Skiles recently announced a plan to break with the Westwood neighborhood Council and establish a new neighborhood council that speaks for the development interest of students.

November 10, 2017 - Curbed Los Angeles

Centennial Olympic Park

Atlanta Unveils Strategy for Equitable Resilience

The new plan tackles housing affordability and food justice alongside water supply and greenhouse gas emissions.

November 9, 2017 - Saporta Report

Freeway Construction

GOP Tax Plan Eliminates Critical Infrastructure-Funding Bond Program

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act would have a deleterious effect on major infrastructure proposed by the private sector. The loss of Private Activity Bonds would hike borrowing rates for road, transit, stadium, and even affordable housing projects.

November 9, 2017 - Greater Greater Washington

Capitol

House Tax Reform Bill Would Devastate Affordable Housing

The House tax reform bill threats to drastically reduce the number of affordable housing units developed.

November 8, 2017 - Curbed

Portland Maine

Portland, ME, Voters Reject 'Neighbor Veto' of Zoning Changes

In a close vote, Portland (Maine) residents voted not to allow immediate abutters to reject zoning changes approved by the City Council. The referendum was initiated by neighbors opposed to a cluster subdivision proposed instea dof a conventional one

November 8, 2017 - Portland Press Herald

San Diego Construction

San Diego Inclusionary Zoning Program Makes Headway

San Diego's Affordable Homes Bonus Program (AHBP), launched in mid-2016, increases incentives for projects that incorporate more affordable units. Developers are taking notice.

November 7, 2017 - Next City

Columbia River Gorge

White House Denies Funding to Replace Tribal Villages

The federal government appears to be reneging on yet another promise to Native American tribes.

November 6, 2017 - The Oregonian

HUD

Is Now Really the Time to Cut HUD Funds for Renters?

The Secretary of Urban Housing and Development wants to make renters "independent," but at least two experts say that's a terrible idea.

November 6, 2017 - Urban Institute

Downtown Dallas

Op-Ed: Dallas Suffers From Long-Term, Entrenched Segregation

In a appeal by no means limited to the Dallas metro region, Mike Koprowski condemns the city's entrenched segregation and calls for a stronger response.

November 3, 2017 - Dallas News

California Homeless

Key Failures That Led to San Diego's Homeless Crisis

San Diego has one of the largest homeless populations in the country. Years of neglect by the city has led to a recent Hepatitis A outbreak, killing 20 people to date. Poverty lawyer Parisa Ijadi-Maghsoodi identifies eight failures by the city.

November 3, 2017 - UrbDeZine

Amazon Warehouse

Logistics Industry Footprint Grows in the Inland Empire

Some residents are holding out as warehouse developers scope out their property. Others have already accepted offers well above market value.

November 3, 2017 - KPCC

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.