Renters at the lower end of the spectrum see no relief in sight as rent hikes remain stubbornly high.

While rent hikes are starting to ease for many renters and home prices dropped by 0.2 percent in February, the lowest-priced rentals are seeing the highest rent increases, reports Kristin Schwab for Marketplace.
As Schwab explains, “Price growth is slowing for renters overall — it’s at around 6%, about half what it was a year ago. Meanwhile, it’s stuck at 8.5% for lower-priced renters.” Economist Molly Boesel attributes this in part to the higher demand for housing in this tier. Additionally, restrictive zoning laws, parking requirements, labor shortages, and high material costs all contribute to higher building costs, keeping developers “focused on more expensive homes.”
FULL STORY: Rent hikes are finally easing — except for renters who can afford it the least

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.
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