San Diego finds itself having to explain how its inclusionary zoning program spending diverged from expectations.
Lisa Halverstadt reports that San Diego's inclusionary zoning program isn't paying as much to build affordable housing as advertised.
A Voice of San Diego analysis reveals nearly a quarter of the roughly $85 million in inclusionary funds doled out by city housing officials over the last 15 years have supported programs to aid first-time homebuyers and homeless San Diegans, or covered administrative costs at the San Diego Housing Commission, rather than simply bankroll the housing the policy aims to deliver.
The news comes as the city prepares to rework its inclusionary zoning policy in response to a new state law that allows steeper inclusionary zoning mandates. "City Council Democrats and labor leaders want to rework the policy to force more affordable housing production in market-rate projects, limit instances where developers can opt to pay fees and increase charges for builders who decide to pay," according to Halverstadt.
The article includes a lot more detail about the kind of projects that have been funded by the city's inclusionary zoning program, how that spending falls short of the expectations of experts and advocates who helped create the program, and how city officials defend the spending.
FULL STORY: Nearly One-Fourth of Funds Meant to Bankroll Affordable Housing Went to Other Causes
Inclusionary Zoning Vetoed in San Diego
One of the more pro-development mayors in the country won't approve an ordinance that would expand the reach of affordable housing requirements for new development.
Inclusionary Zoning Changes Near Final Approval in San Diego
The San Diego City Council is poised to give final approval to significant changes to the city's inclusionary zoning requirements,
Kansas City Trying New Approaches to Affordable Housing
After years of neglecting its affordable housing policy, Kansas City is developing a new five-year vision on policy matters like a public-private trust fund and inclusionary zoning.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions