Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants the planning department to explore and offer up suggestions for ways the city can address its affordable housing needs.

"Mayor LaToya Cantrell has asked the City Planning Commission to suggest ways to create more affordable housing in New Orleans, a month after the city snagged $28 million in federal grants for that purpose," reports Jessica Williams.
The mayor is interested in the possibility of tiny houses—homes under 400 square feet—as an affordable housing alternative in New Orleans, among other options. "The planners will consider new rules for the conversion of boathouses, sheds and other accessory structures into affordable housing. They also will research a ban on the conversion of residential buildings to commercial and will study best practices for the redevelopment of vacant, blighted land into affordable housing," writes Williams.
New Orleans is facing affordable housing challenges for various reasons, says Williams. "Cantrell and others contend that the housing shortage was largely created by a 2009 state moratorium on new bonds for affordable housing units in New Orleans, which hurt a housing stock that was still recovering after hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Gustav." In recent years, an increase in the number of short-term rentals has resulted in a less available housing, according to housing advocates.
FULL STORY: Mayor LaToya Cantrell calls for a study of 'tiny houses,' other affordable housing strategies

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses
The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund
A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards
Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.
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