How U.S. cities are seeking to diversify their funding sources for housing assistance programs and eliminate barriers to housing construction.

In an article for Smart Cities Dive, Kalena Thomhave outlines emerging trends in how cities approach reducing homelessness and alleviating the housing crisis, which continues to impact most American cities. “Just 34 affordable rentals are available for every 100 renters with extremely low income, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.”
As Thomhave notes, some cities are using their local power to reduce zoning restrictions on multifamily housing, enact tenant protection and rent stabilization laws, and outlaw discrimination against housing voucher recipients. “Alongside plans for the construction of permanent housing, cities are also building interim housing: safe, temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness.”
Cities are also looking for ways to reduce dependence on federal housing assistance programs. One such revenue source, the so-called “mansion tax” on transfers of high-value properties, was passed by over a dozen localities since 2018 and could become a significant source of new revenue for affordable housing programs.
Taking a different approach, some cities are taking more punitive measures against unhoused people after a Supreme Court ruling, Grants Pass v. Johnson, paved the way for the criminalization of homelessness.
FULL STORY: How cities could tackle homelessness in 2025

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing
The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?
Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments
Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.
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