A diverse Boston community alliance initially came together to maintain stability in neighborhoods affected by foreclosures. It has changed focus as its work has continued.
Zoe Sullivan traces the history of the Coalition for Occupied Homes in Foreclosure (COHIF), a group in Boston that started in the wake of the subprime housing crisis. As foreclosures spread throughout the city, both homeowners and tenants were left in precarious and unstable situations. The coalition is a diverse group – housing and policy advocates, developers, financiers, and government agencies – that came together to ensure people in lower-income neighborhoods would not be displaced.
In responding to community needs over time, COHIF shifted its work away from advocacy and became an affordable housing developer. This move had its challenges, says Sullivan, and understanding the different perspectives of members was crucial to the coalition’s success. “This capacity to engage in real discussions has helped the group evolve and cultivate the trust that has been essential to its survival and success so far,” reports Sullivan.
More recently, COHIF’s work changed direction again, and it became a community land trust. Members see this as an important step in fostering long-term housing affordability in Boston.
FULL STORY: An Unusual Coalition in Boston Helps Save Homes from Foreclosure
Land Trusts Preserve Affordability, but for Whom?
An analysis of buildings bought by the city for a community land trust in Boston reveals that many prior residents were evicted just before the sales.
Boston's Seaport District Still Lacking Diversity
The glitzy new neighborhood doesn’t cater to all Boston residents, according to a new survey.
Boston Plans to Put $26 Million Toward Affordable Housing Projects
A new initiative will fund 10 new developments as the city works to increase available affordable housing.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Denver's New High-Rise Integrates Vertical Canyon in Architectural Design
Unlike other new builds in Denver, Colorado, a new high-rise reveals a unique “sculptural canyon” running vertically through the facade to foster a sense of community and connection to nature.
Federal Resilience Program a Lifeline for Affordable Housing Providers
The little-known Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funds upgrades and repairs that improve efficiency and comfort in existing housing stock.
Fort Worth To Relaunch Bike Share System in January
Trinity Metro shuttered its current system at the end of November and plans to relaunch with a mostly-electric system.
A Brief History of Kansas City’s Microtransit
The city’s costly experiment with on-demand transit is yielding to more strategic investment.
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.
Village of Glen Ellyn
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners