More often the province of rental housing, affordability policies are limited in the for-sale market. A partnership in Denver aims to change that with a mixed-use project including at least 86 condos destined to be "permanently affordable."
In a city that "has mostly prioritized, and subsidized, affordable rental development," Emily Nonko writes, developer Jeff Shanahan was hard-pressed to find incentives to build homes affordable to working-class buyers, teachers in particular.
To see what could be done with a 18,000-square foot parcel in Denver's Santa Fe Arts District, he looked to a nonprofit, the Urban Land Conservancy, which brought aboard the Elevation Community Land Trust. Founded in 2017, the trust has secured "$24 million in initial funding to acquire 700 homes across the city and surrounding suburbs, and, in the traditional community land trust model, lease the homes at affordable prices."
In December, Nonko writes, "the partners announced the Santa Fe Arts District lot would become home to 92 new condominiums, at least 86 to be permanently affordable for households earning $40,000 to $72,000 in annual income. The mixed-use project, called Inca Commons, will also include 4,000 square feet of commercial space."
The Elevation Community Land Trust will own the ground, distinguishing these for-sale units from market-rate housing and keeping prices down permanently. Aaron Miripol, president of the Urban Land Conservancy, believes the model has advantages over deed restrictions, which typically expire and can be opaque to homebuyers.
FULL STORY: Permanently Affordable Condominiums Coming to Denver
How One Community Land Trust Delivers Housing Affordability to Denver
The Elevation Community Land Trust's unusual ownership structure and strong initial fundraising have given it a solid footing in the Denver area.
Housing Affordability Crisis Spreading to More Cities
Cities like Spokane, Washington courted new residents and businesses during the pandemic. Now, they're starting to wonder if it was worth it.
Report: Low Housing Production Stymies Entry-Level Buyers
According to this report, the trends point to a "less diverse, older, higher-income" crop of homebuyers as low production locks out the young and many people of color.
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