Local governments can apply for part of a $5 million program aimed at helping them identify appropriate sites, preserve affordable housing, and build more housing near transit.
A new program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will fund projects that support transit-oriented housing development. As Daniel C. Vock explains in Route Fifty, the program will prioritize communities with populations under 250,000, with the first $5 million round of the program expected to fund 30 to 35 projects.
The grants are part of a multi-agency effort called Thriving Communities that will use funding from the 2021 infrastructure law to support local governments in four areas:
- Identifying vacant land near transportation projects that can be used to build housing.
- Preserving affordable housing.
- Streamlining the regulatory process for building new housing.
- Improving coordination among government agencies on housing production.
The program will give local governments access to technical assistance to “revive economically distressed areas that have faced historical disinvestment” and build more housing that is accessible and connected to public transit and other transportation infrastructure.
FULL STORY: HUD Offers Cities Help to Add Housing Near Transportation Options
Connecticut Zoning Bills in Peril Near End of Legislative Session
Two bills that would change zoning rules to encourage more housing production and denser zoning are still in limbo as the legislature prepares to go on recess.
Utah Could Eliminate Parking Requirements Near Transit
A proposed state bill would bar cities from requiring parking in areas adjacent to transit stations in an effort to make housing production more affordable and encourage walking and transit use.
Arlington County Struggles To Meet Affordable Housing Goals
As the region’s population swells and demand for housing grows, Arlington County considers zoning reform to boost its affordable housing stock.
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
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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
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