Developers can access up to $185,000 per unit to build affordable multifamily rental housing in small towns.

In a story for Maine Public Radio republished in Next City, Nicole Ogrysko describes how a new rural affordable rental housing program from MaineHousing is funding over one hundred new, sorely needed affordable housing units in small towns around the state. “New research from the University of Southern Maine suggests the affordable housing gap may be more than 40,000 new units, because the state will need 20,000 new people to move to Maine to fill open job positions.”
The program is unique for its simplicity, making it easier for small developers to enter the affordable housing market. According to Mark Wiesendanger, development director for MaineHousing, “It doesn’t come with all the hoops that low income housing tax programs come with. You don’t have to be very experienced in working with federal or state programs to make this work.”
The program offers up to $185,000 for each new housing unit that meets the program’s requirements. “Under the program, projects must range from five to 18 units, which must be leased to households earning no more than 80% of the area median income.”
FULL STORY: A New Program Is Showing Promise In Chipping Away At Maine’s Affordable Housing Crisis

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