There are more vacant properties now than there were at the height of the foreclosure crisis in the United States, and many vacant properties are hanging around in growing cities with a shortage of affordable housing.
"Despite a shortage of affordable housing in many parts of the country, there are more than 6 million vacant, unused housing units, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey," writes Amy Scott.
"That’s more than at the height of the foreclosure crisis, and it doesn’t count empty lots or commercial buildings."
Scott's article starts as a dispatch from the recent Reclaiming Vacant Properties conference, held recently in Atlanta, which can be held up as an example of the under-the-radar challenge of property vacancies in many parts of the country. The surprising persistence of property vacancies in a growing Atlanta especially exemplifies how effective responses to property vacancies will require actions specific to local economic context.
FULL STORY: The vacancy crisis is far from over
Strategies for Discussing Urban Revitalization in Context of Gentrification
With concerns about gentrification sometimes, and in some places, dominating the discussion, it can be difficult to advocate for revitalization.
Debating Public Incentives for Private Developments
A debate common in growing cities around the country is taking place in Atlanta in answer to the question of how much support private developers need from the public.
Affordable Housing Funding Reaches New Heights for Beltline Neighborhoods
The city of Atlanta has allocated $11.9 million of its $45 million budget for the Beltline for affordable housing.
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.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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