Housing
New HUD Chief Named
President George W. Bush is expected to announce his nomination of Steve Preston, head of the Small Business Association, as the new chief of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Market Woes Stifle 'Great Park' Progress
Three years after Irvine, California's "Great Park" was approved, development of the planned public spaces, homes and businesses has struggled to move forward. The housing crisis is being blamed for the lack of action.
States Take Action on Foreclosures While Federal Government Stumbles
Without a clear federal plan to counteract the swath of foreclosures sweeping across the country, state governments are finding ways to reduce the local impacts.
The Fight for $1 Homes
A HUD plan that allows municipalities to buy up foreclosed homes for just $1 is causing controversy in Wayne County, Michigan, where cities and counties are fighting over who is best suited to take over abandoned homes.
Housing Bubble Goes Global
Housing markets around the world are beginning to feel the effects of the American mortgage crisis.
The Explosive Growth of Homestead, Florida
Perhaps named as a self-fulfilling prophecy, the last seven years have brought unprecedented residential growth to Homestead, Florida. Commercial development is just trying to keep up.
Los Angeles Official Takes Up Anti-Density Cause
Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky has becoming increasingly outspoken against the city's new density bonus, saying it goes against the will of residents and will contribute to the destruction of stable neighborhoods.
Five Communities That Have Avoided The Subprime Meltdown
While most of the country is feeling the pain of the subprime mortgage crisis, these communities have managed to fly under the radar.
The United States of Gordon Gekkos?
The current housing crisis in America is a product of greed -- not just the greed of homebuilders and mortgage lenders, but also the greed of consumers. Could planners have done more to prevent this greed from crashing the market?
Eco-Cities: Today's Garden Cities
England's plans to build 3 million new homes by 2020, and much emphasis has been placed on making them environmentally friendly. The push for "eco-town" draw a strong parallel to the "Garden Cities" of the past.
Is This McMansion Green?
A New York developer is unveiling plans for a fleet of luxury homes that aim to comply with LEED environmental standards. But this article from The New York Times wonders whether that really makes the homes green.
Residents Sue Over State Density Bonus Law
Upset about the effect of California State Bill 1818's override of local zoning restrictions, a Los Angeles resident has sued the city to overturn its density bonus ordinance. Others may soon follow.
The Modern Prefab Home Movement
In a recent interview, architect Allison Arieff talks about the past, present and future of modern prefabricated housing.
A Comeback For Public Housing?
With HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson's departure, it's time to begin reinvesting in the nation's public housing stock.
Maligned Redevelopment Agencies Asked To Solve Foreclosure Crisis
California's redevelopment agencies are feeling pressure on numerous fronts these days. Some may go out of business next year. Still, state lawmakers are considering giving the agencies authority to buy out subprime mortgages.
Who Will Senate's Housing Crisis Plan Help?
A new plan in the Senate looks to help the country deal with the backlash of the housing crisis by offering tax breaks and credit. But will it help people whose homes have been foreclosed?
Nation's First Mid-Rise Container Condos Planned for Salt Lake City
Local Salt Lake City developer enlists Adam Kalkin, container architecture expert, to design the nation's first mid-rise shipping container condo project.
Congress Eyes Federal Assistance for Homeowners
Congressional leaders are preparing to propose dramatic new federal initiatives to help homeowners squeezed by the mortgage crisis. Most Republicans -- and the White House -- remain unconvinced that a federal role is appropriate.
HUD Secretary Resigns
Alphonso Jackson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, announced his resignation Monday, effective April 18.
Los Angeles' Brawl With Sprawl
Officials in Los Angeles were successful in implementing high-density growth policies to curb sprawl. However, a disconnect between culture, transportation policy, and the real estate market may have disastrous consequences.
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.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
