Housing
How the West Got Bigger, Badder Fires
Two new books chronicle the origin of U.S. policy on wildfire, the damage that policy has done, and why it’s unlikely to change any time soon.
Aggressive New 'Housing-First Policy' Proposed in California State Legislature
California State Senator Scott Wiener has established himself as one of the most ardent supporters of pro-housing policy in the state. His announcement this morning continued the theme.
Fair Housing Act May Cover Renters with Criminal Records
The largest private landlord in the U.S. faces a discrimination suit for refusing to rent to people with criminal records.
More on those Freeway-Adjacent Affordable Housing Developments
The Los Angeles Times follows-up an earlier article on the dangers of building too close to freeways. It's a trade-off that the California Air Resources Board acknowledged last April with new guidelines that recognize the dire need for housing.
New York's Homeless 'Cluster Sites' to Become Affordable Housing
Conceived as a stop-gap measure, New York City's cluster site program essentially pays landlords to house homeless people. Now, Mayor de Blasio wants to convert some of those sites directly into affordable units.
The Landlord's Case for Stronger Rent Control
A small San Francisco landlord argues for repealing state restrictions on rent control.
Historic Preservation vs. the Housing Crisis
How can cities balance the benefits of historic preservation with the need for new housing?
California Program Promotes Multifamily Rooftop Solar
The state's SOMAH program, now finalized, provides rebates to multifamily affordable housing developments that use solar, and lets tenants share in the benefits.
Expecting a Mass Exodus of Tech Talent From Coastal Cities
An expert says the Republican tax bill is likely to accelerate an exodus away from traditional tech hubs toward more affordable areas.
Three Housing Stories to Watch in California
California's housing crunch finally became a top legislative priority in 2017. More of the same is expected in 2018.
New Zoning in Historic Philadelphia Neighborhood Will Protect Victorian Homes
A rezoning expected to go into effect in the neighborhood of Spruce Hill in Philadelphia chooses historic preservation over potential student housing developments.
California Funds Housing Near Freeways Despite Air Pollution
A Los Angeles development for homeless vets could be great news for a city in desperate need of housing, but some worry that the apartments put vets in harm’s way.
Detroit Still Has More to Worry From Decline Than Gentrification
For every feel-good story about urban revitalization, or more problematic tale of gentrification, the experience in much of Detroit has more to do with decline.
More Fallout on Affordable Housing from Tax Bill
While the low income housing tax credit was retained, banks will be much less willing to purchase them due to their reduced corporate tax rate. That's just one way H.R. 1 will exacerbate divisions between the rich and poor in America's cities.
Has the Rental Market Peaked? If So, That's Good News for Low-Income Renters
A new Harvard study reports that the rental market began to decline this year, and may continue to drop as higher income renters become homeowners. However, the report was released a week before the GOP tax cuts bill was signed.
The Most Popular Posts of 2017
All the planning news that's fit to print.
Canada's New Housing Plan Treats Housing as a Human Right
With 1.7 million households in Canada currently living in "housing need," the ruling liberal government has decided to put its policies where its promises are.
How Baltimore Figures in to Washington D.C. Commuting Patterns
Despite significant and expected cross-county commuting within the Washington D.C. metro, relatively few people commute from Baltimore, despite good transportation connections and relatively less expensive housing.
Building Boom: Study Reveals Effects of California's 2016 Accessory Dwelling Units Law
Permits have shot up after California passed a landmark law in 2016 to make it easier to permit and construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Funding Support Builds Momentum for a Community Land Trust in Denver
The newly formed and funded Elevation Community Land Trust will become the largest community land trust in Colorado.
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
