Experts blame the alarming rise in the number of unhoused people on high housing costs and the end of pandemic-era protections.
The number of unhoused Americans reached over 770,000 this year, a sharp increase from 2023, writes Jason DeParle in The New York Times. This is the largest annual increase since the national homeless count began in 2007.
According to DeParle, “Nearly every category of unhoused people grew, with the rise especially steep among children and people in families.” And while the government does not keep track of the migration status of unhoused people, some federal officials blame the rise on the surge of asylum-seeking migrants.
There is one bright spot: “Veterans were the lone group among whom homelessness declined last year, the report found. That continues a long-term trend driven by bipartisan support for services and housing that is at odds with the rancor of the broader homelessness debate.” The number of homeless veterans fell by 8 percent from 2023.
FULL STORY: Migrants and End of Covid Restrictions Fuel Jump in U.S. Homelessness
Local Governments Sue HUD Over Funding Cuts
A new lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s revised guidelines for housing and homelessness assistance funds will decimate key programs.
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The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.
How Houston Can Be a Model for Housing Reform
The city builds more new housing than almost any other and has dramatically reduced homelessness, yet low-income families struggle to find affordable housing.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
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Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
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Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
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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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie