A federal bill intended to increase transparency in land use and zoning decisions as well as encourage localities to eliminate barriers to housing has advanced out of a House of Representative committee.
[Updated March 2] The House Financial Services Committee passed the Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) Act (H.R. 4351) late last week, according to a press release from Republicans on the Financial Services Committee.
Rep. Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) and Rep. Denny Heck (D-WA) introduced the YIMBY Act in the House in September 2019, with support from organizations like the American Planning Association and Smart Growth America. U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the companion bill in the Senate in June 2019.
The YIMBY Act, "requires Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients to report on policies to remove barriers that impact access to housing for Hoosiers and all Americans." The press release provides additional explanation for the intended effect of the YIMBY Act as follows:
Specifically, the YIMBY Act requires reporting under the existing Consolidated Plan on the implementation of certain land use policies, including enacting high-density single-family and multi-family zoning and allowing manufactured homes in areas zoned primarily for single-family residential homes, among others, to promote housing production and increase affordability.
The YIMBY Action Infill podcast includes an episode called "Up For Federal Action" that provides more information on the bill, providing an opportunity for Rep. Heck to join podcast host Laura Foote to discuss the bill.
FULL STORY: Press Releases Yes In My Backyard Act Reported Out of Financial Services Committee
'Yes in My Back Yard Act' Introduced in the U.S. Senate
U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana) has introduced a new law that picks sides in the housing debate, though the law is unlikely to produce structural change in the development process the near future.
The 'Most Pro-Housing Reform in U.S. History' Expected for Approval Today in Portland
The Portland Residential Infill Project is expected for approval by the Portland City Council today, culminating a six year process that became more and more ambitious with every iteration.
New Density Planned as Affordable Housing, Growth Management Tool in Durham, North Carolina
The City Council of Durham, North Carolina has approved changes to the city's master plan, first approved in 2005, to allow new forms of density in residential neighborhoods proximate to the city's downtown urban core.
Upzoning Modestly Increases Housing Supply and Affordability, Study Says
A new study by researchers at the Urban Institute finds new evidence that upzoning produces housing supply and reduces costs, while downzoning does the opposite.
British Columbia Asserts Provincial Control Over Density
The Canadian province plans to override local opposition to loosening zoning regulations that restrict the housing supply.
Opinion: Surprised by Your Neighborhood’s Walkability Score? Don't Be.
A cautionary tale of using indices.
$14 Billion in Federal Transit Funding Announced
The annual formula funding grants support transit facilities and maintenance, electrification and equipment upgrades, and expansion of service.
Philadelphia Mayor Hopefuls Want More Affordable Housing on Vacant Lots
Many of the candidates agree that a slow, complex sales process and strong councilmanic prerogative hinder the development of city-owned lots.
Why Infrastructure Costs So Much
A new book details what planners already know: cost estimates for major infrastructure projects are usually a farce. Another book foretells just how much new infrastructure will be needed in the coming waves of climate migration.
Heyer Gruel Associates
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Urbanism Next Center at the University of Oregon
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Evanston
City of Lomita
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.
