A proposed bond referendum would be the city’s largest-ever affordable housing investment.

The Dallas city council is weighing a proposal to invest $400 million in programs that encourage and support affordable housing construction, with the goal of building 100,000 new units in the next decade. As Ken Kelthoff explains for NBC DFW, “A 2024 public improvement bond referendum could include $150 million for housing. That’s far more affordable housing support than any past Dallas bond referendum.”
A similar (much smaller) investment from a 2017 bond referendum helped fund new infrastructure like sidewalks, street lighting, and swere lines in the Bottom neighborhood, which then drew more developers to build housing there. “A 2012 referendum contributed $2 million toward $8.3 million in public money for the 300-unit Palladium Red Bird apartment complex, with 70% of the units reserved for tenants with limited income.”
Some city councilmembers say the last few bond measures didn’t create nearly enough new housing, and that a larger investment is necessary. But the proposal isn’t without its critics, who worry about the large outlay of public funds. According to Kalthoff, “Many public meetings will be held over the next year before details of a 2024 borrowing plan are finalized.”
FULL STORY: Giant $400 Million Dallas Plan to Boost Affordable Housing

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.

Report: Bike Lanes Can't Make up for New Roads
If California wants to meet its climate goals, the state must stop funding its myriad road construction and expansion projects.

Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Largest in 20 Years
The city opened its first large multifamily affordable housing complex in decades, but a recent court ruling against the Minneapolis 2040 rezoning plan could jeopardize future projects.

NYC Mayor Proposes Eliminating Parking Minimums
Mayor Adams wants to stop requiring off-site parking for new buildings to reduce the costs of construction as part of the ‘City of Yes’ package of zoning reforms.
Urban3
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
National Capital Planning Commission
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.