The proposed Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act would trade development fees for zoning relief.
"State Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL–Bloomington, announced his Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act to reform zoning laws preventing affordable construction statewide," reports Scott McClallen.
"The bill aims to let cities assess development impact fees and street improvement districts in exchange for removing certain zoning and regulatory burdens," according to McClallen.
Elkins cited a recent StarTribune exposé on exclusionary housing practices in the Twin Cities to justify the changes proposed by the law in a statement quoted in the article. Elkin also explained that the bill is designed to provide new revenue for cities to fund the infrastructure to support new development and to remove obstacles preventing developers from building an "adequate supply of new homes and apartments affordable to young families."
As proposed, the law builds on zoning reform momentum around the state, following shortly after the St. Paul City Council voted to remove parking minimums citywide and several years after the city of Minneapolis adopted the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which led the city to allow multi-family dwellings up to three-plexes on residential properties citywide.
FULL STORY: Minnesota lawmakers look to create more affordable housing
Colorado Bill Would Legalize Housing ‘In God’s Backyard’
Churches and religious institutions around the country are calling for zoning reforms that would allow them to build housing on their underused properties.
Wyoming Task Force Considers Statewide Zoning Reform
The state task force will examine six bills aimed at limiting local opposition to new housing development.
Arizona Legalizes ADUs and Higher Downtown Density Statewide
Two new laws require cities to permit ‘missing middle housing’ near city centers and ADUs on all single-family lots.
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.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
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