A controversial proposal has incited new debate about the causes of Vancouver's skyrocketing housing prices. Potential solutions depend on an accurate diagnosis.

The debate over foreign ownership of real estate is heating up in Vancouver, after B.C. Greens leader Andrew Weaver called for the city to limit property ownership to Canadian residents.
The CBC News broke the news about Weaver's proposal on January 9, noting that Weaver is following the model provided by New Zealand. "B.C. Finance Minister Carole James says the government is looking at different options to cool the housing market but a ban on foreign investors isn't one of them," according to the article.
Clare Hennig writes a follow up article, focusing mostly on the case against real estate protectionism. "Nathan Lauster, an associate professor of sociology at UBC and a blogger on city issues, says banning foreign investment misses the larger issue of local real estate speculation," writes Hennig.
Recent news picked up Planetizen on the subject of Vancouver's housing market, and the policies crafted in response, would seem to support the words of both James and Lauster. In December 2017, the city released a major housing policy package that focuses on the rental market for solutions. In November, market analysis showed that a 2016 law taxing foreign real estate buyers had not managed to reduce housing prices in the city.
FULL STORY: It's 'really problematic' to blame foreigners for housing crisis, says UBC sociologist

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service