Josie Huang reports on a new audit from the Los Angeles City Controller finding that the city's density bonus program is falling short of its goals for delivering affordable housing.
Los Angeles' density bonus program allows "developers to build higher and bigger if they set aside units for lower-to-moderate income residents," explains Josie Huang. The program was established in 2008, provoking concerns that it would cause development to run amok. Since the, however, the program's results have proven underwhelming.
"Auditors found 329 out of 4,463 affordable units added through density bonuses between 2008 and 2014 — or 7 percent — were in market-rate developments," reports Huang. "The rest were in entirely affordable housing projects."
The audit also includes suggestions for increasing the number of affordable housing units delivered by the program. "For example, the program could allow developers to locate their affordable units at another location 'in a three-or-four story building that is wood-framed,' and therefore less expensive to build than a high-rise residential building, which requires pricier materials," writes Huang.
FULL STORY: Los Angeles affordable housing incentive program isn't doing enough, audit says
How One L.A. Developer Uses the Law to Build Apartments
California’s density bonus law lets developers skirt some zoning regulations to build multifamily housing.
Year One of L.A.'s 'Transit Oriented Communities Affordable Housing Incentives Program'
After one year in action, the Transit Oriented Communities Affordable Housing Incentives Program has enabled a rare feat in Los Angeles: new development.
L.A.'s Transit-Oriented Communities Program Finds Affordable Housing Success
The Los Angeles Transit-Oriented Communities program, which offers development bonuses in exchange for affordable housing in developments near transit lines, is the city's most successful affordable housing tool.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions