A proposed tax abatement program would promote the conversion of office buildings to housing.
A new Washington, D.C. tax abatement program will promote the conversion of office buildings into residential units. As Venable’s Zachary G. Williams and Alexaida Collet Echevarría explain, “The program provides a 20-year tax abatement—beginning upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy—as an incentive for property owners to convert all or a portion of their property to residential uses.”
The proposed rules require that a project create at least 10 housing units, 10 percent of which must be affordable. “In addition to the above, property owners must agree to contract with a Certified Business Enterprise for at least 35 percent of the contract dollar volume of construction and operations and execute a First Source Agreement (which prioritizes employment of District residents) for operation of the development project.”
The program is designed to grow the District’s housing stock and utilize office buildings that have lower demand after the pandemic.
California Law Would Streamline Adaptive Reuse Process
A bill passed by the state senate would ease the permitting process for office conversions in central city neighborhoods.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
Minnesota Seeks State Support for Office Conversions
The 30% “CUB credit” would support the conversion of buildings 15 years or older into any use that “will return that vacant area to an income-producing, habitable condition.”
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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