The city of Columbus provides an example of the need for tenant protections in the state of Georgia.
"Columbus officials are hoping a new Georgia law that went into effect July 1 will help curb the number of evictions in the city caused by unresolved repair issues," reports Allie Dean.
"The law, created by the adoption of House Bill 346, means that tenants who seek repairs to their housing can be legally protected from retaliation by their landlords, including rent hikes and eviction," explains Dean.
The city of Columbus, located in Muscogee County, just across the Chattahoochee River from the state of Alabama, saw 1,700 evictions last year. The Muscogee County Marshal's Office served 8,854 dispossessory warrants, "which means landlords filed with the court to evict a tenant," between July 2017 and June 2018.
"According a 2017 estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, over half of Muscogee County residents are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their household income toward rent. Coupled with a shortage of affordable housing, that puts tenants in a tough spot," according to Dean.
FULL STORY: There were over 1,700 evictions in Columbus last year. How new law helps protect renters.
No Evictions for Less Than $600, Says New D.C. Law
As part of a bill that made many COVID-era tenant protections permanent, the District voted to ban eviction filings for households owing less than $600 in back rent.
Rent Control Debated in the Nation's Capital
District council members and local tenant advocates are engaged in a bit of tug of war about how far the District should go to limit the amount landlords can raise rents.
Rents Falling in New York City; New Supply Gets Credit
New York City is seeing an adjustment in the rental market as landlords struggle to compete for renters in a suddenly crowded market.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)