Too many developers chose to pay in-lieu fees to the Maryland city, and the inclusionary housing program was not producing much affordable housing.
"The city of Annapolis, Maryland, is changing a 15-year-old policy meant to produce modestly priced homes after finding that the program has barely worked," writes Jared Brey. The city’s inclusionary housing program, the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Program, had only produced 18 rentals units and 10 homes for purchase since 2004.
Most developers were opting to pay an in-lieu fee that city officials say was not high enough to allow the city to develop affordable housing. "So last week, as the Capital Gazette reported, Annapolis City Council voted to update the program, requiring moderate prices on 15 percent of both for-sale and rental units, and eliminating the in-lieu fee altogether," says Brey.
Raising the fee was an option, but the city decided that Annapolis did not offer enough development opportunities, notes Brey. "[The city council] wanted to squeeze as many moderately priced units out of the program as they could, [Alderman Marc] Rodriguez says."
FULL STORY: Running Out of Land, Annapolis Tweaks Housing Policy
Denver Debates Inclusionary Housing Plan
Atlanta's inclusionary housing program, which closely reflects the proposed Denver plan, could serve as a bellwether for Denver's own future.
San Francisco Supes Reject Proposal To Turn Parking Lot Into Housing
State legislators are decrying the Board of Supervisors' decision to reject a proposal to build a 495-unit apartment building on a downtown San Francisco parking lot.
Making the Case for ADUs and Housing Equity
For Montgomery County in Maryland, accessory dwelling units are a viable strategy to help ease the affordable housing crisis.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie