Poor households in Philadelphia are spending nearly much on housing as wealthy residents. And while costs for the wealthy are going down, costs for the poor continue to rise.
New research in the Philadelphia region finds that housing costs are increasing for low-income residents while decreasing for those with higher incomes, such that households that make less money aren't spending substantially less on housing.
Both a lack of affordable housing and growing income inequality are driving this trend, researchers at real-estate firm Apartment Life found.
In 2008, the region's wealthiest residents earned more than 12 times its poorest, Aaron Moselle reports in Plan Philly; in 2017, it was 17 times. Moreover, between 2007 and 2018, housing costs grew by 8 percent for households earning less than the national median income—but not at all for households earning more, as prices dropped in Philly's luxury apartment market.
FULL STORY: Philly housing costs rising faster for poor and middle class than for the wealthy
When Rents Rise But Wages Don't
Renters in smaller metropolitan areas are struggling to deal with the realities of rising rent and stagnant wages. At least wages have increased in high-priced areas.
Housing Not Keeping Pace With Employment in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities provide a case study for the role of the housing market in regional employment markets.
Half of US Tenants Are ‘Rent Burdened’
High housing costs are squeezing a record number of American households.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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.
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.
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
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont