Philadelphia is sweetening the deal in a proposal that would offer developers density bonuses if they send money to the city's Housing Trust Fund.
Developers told the Philadelphia City Council that a proposed density bonus law wouldn't be enough of an incentive to generate funding for affordable housing, so the City Council made revisions to the proposal.
"After a negative response from developers, Philadelphia City Council has amended the terms of a density bonus intended to raise funds for affordable housing," reports Jake Blumgart.
"The bill amended on Thursday would give developers additional height, density, and floor area in exchange for payments to the Housing Trust Fund," adds Blumgart. In essence, the density bonus is now cheaper, and thus easier, for developers to use.
The administration of Mayor Jim Kenney estimates the new density bonus would generate $18 million for the Housing Trust Fund over the next five years.
In addition to the changes already made by the city to the proposed law, the Building Industry Association (BIA) is pushing for additional changes that would "allow developers to trade a contribution to the Trust Fund for a reduction in the number of mandatory parking spaces required in high-density areas," reports Blumgart.
FULL STORY: New inclusionary zoning bill sweetens deal for developers
Affordable Housing Bonus Program Expanded in Philadelphia
The city of Philadelphia launched a height and density bonus in 2018 to create incentives for the development of affordable housing, but so far the results have proven underwhelming.
Philadelphia Searching for New Affordable Housing Tools
Two proposed pieces of legislation would create a new revenue stream for Philadelphia's affordable housing efforts and protect tenants of existing affordable units.
The Philadelphia Loan Program Transforming the Demographics of Development
The Jumpstart loan program is helping Black and female residents become developers.
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?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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