To ensure families stay in their homes and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government should extend the CDC's eviction moratorium and other rent relief measures through the new year.

To slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect families during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) passed an eviction moratorium in September, prohibiting landlords from evicting renters facing financial hardship. The moratorium, set to expire at the end of the year, has provided a lifeline for families who face losing their homes.
Things haven't improved for much of the country. In November, a third of Americans said they feared facing eviction or foreclosure in the next few months. With the moratorium's expiration and the end of other financial support like extended unemployment benefits looming, many Americans face deep financial uncertainty in the new year. Without a renewed moratorium and rent relief, argues Mary K. Cunningham, people who owe back rent and those having trouble making rent payments will continue to face housing insecurity as we head deeper into winter. Even with the current moratorium in place, tens of thousands of evictions have still been filed during the pandemic as landlords seek out loopholes, and without full rent relief, many tenants are sinking deeper into debt.
Federal relief would also help small landlords who rent to low-income people of color, many of whom risk losing their properties to large companies. The accelerated loss of affordable housing to redevelopment could have a powerful impact on future housing availability for low- and middle-income families.
FULL STORY: Extending the CDC Eviction Moratorium Would Keep Families Housed and Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

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?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

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.
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
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions