A new report highlights inequalities in accessibility and affordability.

Jennifer Molinsky and Whitney Airgood-Obrycki highlight important findings from a recent report from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies and AARP's Public Policy Institute investigating the role of housing in creating livable neighborhoods. "AARP’s Livability Index is an online resource that provides livability scores for neighborhoods across the US by measuring seven key areas: housing, neighborhood features, transportation, environment, health, engagement, and opportunity."
The report shows that "the places with the highest overall livability scores offer the greatest array of housing options. As one moves up the livability spectrum, the share of multifamily units increases, as does the share of apartments in larger buildings." However, one important finding affirmed the fact that those with higher incomes have access to more livable neighborhoods, as median rents and housing costs are positively correlated with livability. "Improving housing affordability in the most livable communities is critical to ensuring these places are truly open to people of all incomes. While neighborhoods that score highest on the livability spectrum tend to have the most housing types, expanding access to these locations means expanding income-restricted options."
According to the report, older adults are more likely to face cost burdens, making it crucial for government programs to support aging in place and affordable, accessible housing for seniors. "Across all levels of livability, there is need for more accessible housing to meet the needs of the growing number of older adults with mobility difficulties."
FULL STORY: Housing and Livable Neighborhoods

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie