The pandemic’s effects continue to impact housing markets, with formerly affordable cities seeing a steep rise in housing costs.

Home prices in what were once some of the country’s most affordable cities continue to soar, reports Mary K. Jacob in the New York Post. In Cleveland, home prices rose by 15 percent in 2024, the largest increase among the 50 largest U.S. cities.
Other cities follow closely behind: Milwaukee housing costs rose by 14.5 percent, Philadelphia’s grew by 14 percent, and Miami home costs rose by 11.8 percent. “Nationwide, home prices rose in all 50 of the largest metro areas for the first time since May 2022, with the typical home now costing $427,670.”
For cities that saw a drop in home costs, like Tampa (0.5 percent), this was in part due to increased housing construction, but also growing concerns about flooding and insurance costs. Austin, Texas saw a significant drop in rents last year following zoning reform and an apartment construction boom.
FULL STORY: America’s most affordable housing havens aren’t so affordable anymore

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

Demise of Entertainment Industry Mirrors Demise of Housing in LA
Making movies has a lot in common with developing real estate: producers = developers; screenwriters = architects; directors = general contractors. The similarities are more than trivial. Both industries are now hurting in L.A.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)