With stronger state mandates kicking in, California housing permits rose sharply in September. But as one construction industry commentator noted, an uptick isn't a trend.
"After months of limited and in some cases nonexistent growth, California saw a sharp rise in the number of building permits for new homes in September," Emily DeRuy writes. Under greater pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom's administration, regional planning agencies may be giving in to more growth.
However, while the 142,000 units authorized in September mark a pointed increase over August's 116,000, "it's just a fraction of what will be needed to meet Newsom's goal." Earlier this fall, Newsom and his allies in Sacramento called for 3.5 million new units of housing to be built across California by 2025.
Notably, permits for multi-family units are leading that charge with a full 47 percent increase in September. "Permits for single-family units actually fell by around 2 percent in September," DeRuy writes. Still, construction industry commentators are skeptical this uptick in multi-family will last. "High construction and land costs, along with city fees and regulations, make getting developments off the ground difficult," one noted.
FULL STORY: California is approving more housing permits
Prescriptions for the 'Broken' Massachusetts Multi-Family Market
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is taking a strong stance in support of zoning regulations that enable new multi-family housing developments.
Regional Planning Paradigm Shift in Southern California
The Southern California Association of Governments, in response to new mandates from the state, has adopted a radical new approach to housing requirements in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
California's Housing Crisis—No End in Sight
This past year looked promising in terms of opportunities to tackle the state’s housing woes. But most measures failed and the problem is just growing.
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service