Housing

Peachtree Street Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Cities Weigh Zoning Changes

The southern city’s growth is prompting questions about how to increase the housing supply, maintain affordability, and accommodate new residents.

April 11, 2023 - Atlanta Civic Circle

Aerial view of buildings and parking lots in Missoula, Montana

Montana Legislature Considering Historic Package of Pro-Housing Development Bills

State legislators agree the cost of housing is a growing problem, but there is little consensus on how to boost the supply of affordable housing.

April 10, 2023 - The Missoulian

Multistory wood frame apartment building under construction against blue sky

Upzoning Modestly Increases Housing Supply and Affordability, Study Says

A new study by researchers at the Urban Institute finds new evidence that upzoning produces housing supply and reduces costs, while downzoning does the opposite.

April 9, 2023 - Urban Institute

Zoning Code Rendering

Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan Still Searching for Zoning Alignment

The vision set forth in one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking comprehensive plans in recent memory has yet to align with the practical realities of zoning in Minneapolis.

April 9, 2023 - Star Tribune

Colorado

Fort Collins Code Update Rescinded Due to ADU Opposition

It’s back to the drawing board for a development code update in Fort Collins, Colorado, after residents revolted against zoning reforms that include by-right development of accessory dwelling units.

April 7, 2023 - The Coloradoan

British Columbia residential Neighborhoods

British Columbia Asserts Provincial Control Over Density

The Canadian province plans to override local opposition to loosening zoning regulations that restrict the housing supply.

April 6, 2023 - The Globe and Mail

Tents belonging to unhoused people near freeway onramp in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Ordered to Sweep City’s Biggest Unhoused Community

A county judge ruled the city must evict people living in an encampment after local businesses and residents sued.

April 6, 2023 - Arizona Republic

Outdoor Recreation

Colorado Mountain Communities Line Up to Oppose Statewide Zoning Reforms

State preemption isn’t going over well with local government officials in the remote corners of Colorado.

April 6, 2023 - Vail Daily

The buildings of the Florida State Capitol, old and new, are visible across a lawn in front of the old building.

Florida Law Bans Rent Control Statewide

The DeSantis administration has a signature housing bill. Florida has $711 million in funding for housing programs. Local governments have less power over zoning.

April 6, 2023 - Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Boise Idaho

Proposed Update to Boise Zoning Code Would Boost Density, Discourage Sprawl

A years-long process has culminated in a proposal that would encourage the creation of affordable housing, promote transit-oriented development, and position the city for less car-oriented growth.

April 5, 2023 - Idaho Statesman

State capitol building in Albany, New York

Op-Ed: New York Housing Voucher Program Would Increase Housing Security

An op-ed in Gotham Gazette calls on the state legislature to enact a housing assistance program that could help tens of thousands of residents stay in their homes.

April 5, 2023 - Gotham Gazette

Affordable Housing

Lessons in Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing

With HUD seeking comments on a revamped version of the Affirmatively Furthering fair Housing Rule, now is a good time to seek lessons from the one state to attempt to implement the federal rule at the state level.

April 4, 2023 - Terner Center for Housing Innovation

Aerial view of neighborhood with homes along a bayou surrounded by green trees in Sugar Land, Texas

A Rapidly Urbanizing Texas County Gets in Touch With its Agricultural Roots

Developers in Fort Bend County are drawing inspiration from ‘agrihoods’ to build car-light communities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas.

April 4, 2023 - Urban Edge

Dark grey two-story accessory dwelling unit in backyard

Op-Ed: How ADUs Can Ease the Housing Crunch

With the right policies in place, basement apartments, converted garages, and backyard cottages can create a significant number of affordable housing units.

April 4, 2023 - Governing

View of dense high-rise apartment buildings in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Single-Staircase Buildings: A Design Solution to a Political Problem?

One writer argues that single-staircase buildings solve an architectural problem and make buildings more interesting, but the political problem of the U.S. housing crisis goes much deeper.

April 3, 2023 - The Nation

Modern small-lot homes in north Dallas suburb

Code Reforms to Ease the Housing Crisis

Ten recommendations for zoning code changes that could make housing more affordable.

April 3, 2023 - Congress For New Urbanism

View of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia from middle of road busy with cars and buses

Vancouver Council Denies Proposal to Limit Broadway Plan Growth

A proposed ‘pace of change’ policy would have restricted the number of development proposals the city would accept in an effort to limit displacement of existing residents in affordable, low-rise rental units.

April 2, 2023 - Daily Hive

A red sign reads, “Welcome to New Canaan.”

Affordable Housing Development Rejected for Lack of Third Staircase in Connecticut

The New Canaan Planning Commission rejected a development proposal, including 31 below-market-rate apartments, for lack of a third staircase, among other reasons, at a time when advocates are pushing to relax two-staircase requirements.

March 31, 2023 - Stamford Advocate

A row of Victorian homes in San Francisco, California

San Francisco Rents Cheaper Now Than in 2020

Though ‘cheap’ is a relative term.

March 30, 2023 - San Francisco Examiner

Couple embracing happily in front of home with "SOLD" sign

Millennials Now Majority Homeowners

Just over half of people in the ‘Y’ generation now own homes, but the largest generation also continues to dominate the rental market.

March 30, 2023 - RentCafé

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