Housing
Making It Easier to Build Won't Help
Here are some observations that may shed light on the mystery of why—despite creating every incentive that planners can conceive—we are failing to produce affordable housing at the level we need.
Tents Under Bridges Outlawed in Houston
In an attempt to remove homeless people from underpasses, Houston Mayor proposes legislation to make it a misdemeanor to put up such structures.
Trump Administration Budget Draft Could Cut HUD Budget, Planning Grants, More
The Washington Post has a big scoop about the early draft of the Trump Administration's budget for the Department of Housing Urban Development.
California Pushing Out Low Income Residents
California has lost a quarter million low income residents over the last decade, in large part because of the high cost of housing.
Atlanta Approves $40 Million Affordable Housing Bond
The city of Atlanta is building new housing, but very little of it is affordable. A new bond is intended to make a dent in that trend.
North Vancouver Skips Past 'Secondary Suites,' Allows a Third 'Coach House' on Every Lot
While some cities debate secondary units and parking controversies, the city of North Vancouver is allowing three units on every single-family lot in the city—parking requirements not included.
What If We Stopped Considering Housing an Investment?
If Americans viewed housing as what it essentially is, a consumable good, solutions to our ongoing affordability crisis might just present themselves. And we'd probably loosen a lot of land use regulations.
In Building Homes Near Highways, L.A. Ignores a Public Health Issue
Los Angeles seems primed for a development boom, but when developments are built near highways there can be serious health consequences.
California Investing In 'Transformative Climate Communities'
The California Strategic Growth Council has $140 million in cap-and-trade revenue for the new Transformative Climate Community program. The aim of the program is to catalyze environmental and economic investment in disadvantaged communities.
A Portland-Brand Building Boom: Accessory Dwelling Units
It's possible that construction permits for accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats or mother-in-law units, could surpass permits for regular homes.
San Diego Doubled Housing Units Downtown and Rents Still Increased
San Diego invested $1.5 billion in tax increment to increase housing in its downtown but displaced affordable housing with unaffordable housing. Housing planner, developer and advocate, Murtaza Baxamusa gives some answers and asks some questions.
Mapping Austin's Residential Demolitions
Demolitions in residential neighborhoods have increased quickly in Austin, as property owners upgrade their homes to contemporary layouts. Community Impact newspaper investigates the trend.
The Realities of Black Homeownership
Natalie Moore details her experience in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood as the child of black home owners in a segregated city.
Tech Success Contrasts With Immigrants' Peril In Los Angeles
The 800,000 undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles County are at the opposite end of the socioeconomic spectrum from the 1,900 employees at Snapchat. The fate of both populations have deep implications for L.A.'s housing crisis.
Why Aren't We Building Middle Income Housing?
For low-income residents in high-cost areas, there's no substitute for the public sector to provide below-market rate housing. But for middle-income households, the market should be able to produce housing without subsidy. So why doesn't this happen?
Seattle Considering a First-Ever Renters' Commission
In Seattle, about 54 percent of the households rent their homes, but they have few places to collectively voice their opinions on critical matters like rent control, move-in fees, and transit. Some city councilmembers hope to change that, however.
Change the Only Constant in Nashville
A new series of articles, launched by a big feature earlier this month, will explore the changes occurring in the famous and beloved city of Nashville.
Fair Housing Advocates Sue Texas Governor Over Housing Voucher Law
A Dallas non-profit has sued Texas Governor Greg Abbott over what it calls a blatantly racist law that allows landlords to refuse payment in federal housing vouchers.
Sydney's Public Housing Gives Way as Land Prices Rise
Rising land values has made some of the land Sydney, Australia's affordable housing sits on prime targets for redevelopment and gentrification.
A Legislative Challenge to Ballot-Box Planning in California
On March 7, Angelenos will vote on Measure S, which would enact a two-year moratorium on denser development. State legislation introduced on Feb. 16 would require a two-thirds vote for these types of slow growth ballot measures.
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
