Elections have consequences, and a new, younger City Council in Raleigh is ready to implement progressive planning and land use reforms.

"Raleigh leaders took the first step toward changing the rules that developers have to follow to address housing affordability," reports Anna Johnson.
The rules—still in the early stages on the way to approval as several new City Council members push for reform of land use and development regulations in the city—focus on several key ideas to ease development and reduce costs for all kinds of development, not just housing.
Downtown Parking Requirements
"If a developer wants to build a commercial project in downtown Raleigh, the city has required a parking space for every 500 square feet. City leaders have taken the first step to remove that requirement," reports Johnson.
Missing Middle Housing
Following in the footsteps of Minneapolis, the Raleigh City Council decided to explore the idea of adding "cottage courts" in areas zoned R-2 and R-4. Councilmember David Cox was the lone vote against the study, writing a blog post after the vote that lamented the city's move "toward ending single family zoning." Cox also expressed negative feelings about the new makeup of the City Council after the election in October.
Building Heights
"The council also voted to remove the height cap for buildings seven stories and above," reports Johnson. "The city’s code had limits for height and stories for buildings, and removing the height cap will result in better buildings being built throughout Raleigh..."
FULL STORY: Raleigh leaders promised to change the rules for housing affordability. It’s starting.

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
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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