Another example of a city looking for revenue to support affordable housing projects in response to the growing cost of housing.
"Philadelphia’s City Council is weighing a proposed 1% tax on construction to raise millions of dollars for affordable-housing programs," reports Scott Calvert.
The construction tax would apply to most residential, commercial and industrial projects and would be calculated based on costs listed on building permits. Money raised would be used to give qualifying home buyers as much as $10,000 for down payments and closing costs. Both private and nonprofit developers also would be able to access funds for affordable-housing projects.
The proposed tax has inspired plenty of political debate, according to the article, pitting City Council president Darrell Clarke against Mayor Jim Kenney. Mayor Kenney has warned that "the levy would hurt the city’s competitiveness as it vies to land Amazon.com Inc.’s second headquarters," reports Calvert. The tax has the support of the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia and many affordable housing groups. Opponents include the local Chamber of Commerce and the building trades union.
FULL STORY: Philadelphia’s Affordable-Housing Plan: a Tax on New Buildings
Construction Tax Approved by Philadelphia City Council
Mayor Jim Kenney could still veto the bill.
Consensus on Changes to Property Tax Abatement Too Challenging for Philadelphia
Despite over a year of proposals, counter proposals, and heated debate, the city of Philadelphia has yet to broker a breakthrough on proposed reforms to the city's ten-year property tax abatement program.
In Limbo: Philadelphia's Construction Tax for Affordable Housing
It's been radio silence from Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney since the City Council approved a dedicated stream of funding for affordable housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
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.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)