The proposed property tax exemption in Portland would be from the "carrot" school of affordable housing incentives.
"Portland housing officials have proposed reviving a property tax break for developers who include affordable housing in their projects," reports Eliot Njus.
The policy has been proposed as a response to a glut of housing permits in the pipeline, but filed before the city implemented an inclusionary zoning policy that mandates a certain number of affordable units. There are about 10,000 units in the pipeline ahead of the city's inclusionary zoning policy—and since the policy took effect, permits have dropped off significantly.
"The incentive officials are seeking to bring back provides for a 10-year property tax exemption on all of a development's residential units in exchange for making 20 percent of the units affordable to households making 60 or 80 percent of the median family income," according to Njus.
Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly is quoted in the article saying the tax breaks can actually help developers create units, which can they be rented.
Read the full story: Portland weighs reviving tax breaks for rent-capped housing
Portland's Inclusionary Zoning Effect Measured, Criticized
It's been over four years since the city of Portland implemented an inclusionary zoning policy that required all new apartment developments to set aside a portion of units for low- and moderate-income housing.
Inclusionary Zoning to Fund Workforce Housing, But for Hotel Developments
A new law in Portland, Maine could be the first to charge an affordable housing fee from new hotel developments.
Inclusionary Zoning Under the Microscope as Housing Development Declines
An inclusionary zoning case study is emerging in Portland. Even if inclusionary zoning isn't broken, it might still need a fix, say local planners.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
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
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority