The city of Charlotte has a funding gap to make up if it wants to keep its promises about how much affordable housing to build or maintain in the short term.

"A Charlotte City Council debate Monday over affordable housing revealed deep divisions, with some newly elected members saying the city isn't doing enough for its poorest residents," reports Steve Harrison.
Still, the debate produced preliminary approval for 11 new affordable housing projects, with funding potentially made available from the city's Housing Trust Fund.
The funding contingencies involve a mixture of Housing Trust Fund money and state tax credits, with the city shifting money to the trust fund to get closer to its goal of building or maintaining 5,000 units of affordable housing by the end of 2019. The city could also still request a $50 million bond to fund the trust fund.
The article includes details about the politics of affordable housing in the city, as well as where the 11 projects stand in the planning and approvals process.
Oscar Perry Abello offers additional coverage of Charlotte's affordable housing policies.
FULL STORY: Charlotte City Council backs new low-income housing, but vote reveals deep divide

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie