The city council failed to move on a proposal that would have implemented rent stabilization, opting instead to explore other avenues for preventing evictions and improving the cost of housing.
The Tampa City Council decided not to pursue rent control measures despite ardent pleas from local housing advocates, reports Justin Garcia. Councilmembers expressed concern about the legal hurdles involved in instituting rent stabilization.
"Councilman Bill Carlson instead proposed an ordinance that would require landlords to give six months notice before increasing rent, which will be discussed at a council meeting on April 21." The council also plans to hold another workshop and distribute $1 million in rent relief on March 1, but the protesters present at last week's council meeting said this doesn't do enough to mitigate the urgent crisis facing Tampa residents, many struggling to pay rising rents on a fixed income.
According to the article, "In order to pass rent control, city council has to declare a housing state of emergency by proving there is an emergency through a study, then put a ballot measure up for vote from the public on whether or not to approve rent control. If the measure were to pass, under current state laws, the city would have to do this every year."
FULL STORY: Despite over 100 people pleading for help at city hall, Tampa City Council shoots down rent control
Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent
House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.
Rethinking Rent Control: Balancing Affordability With Market Dynamics
Explore the balance between rent control policies and market dynamics, analyzing how different models impact housing affordability and real estate investment.
Biden Administration Proposes Federal Rent Hike Limits
A new policy would limit rent increases to 5 percent for landlords receiving federal tax write-offs.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet
With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)