Should monthly charges be pegged to the cost of financing, developing, and operating housing, or to household income? Or are there other ways to design how rent is calculated?
Exploring the challenges of defining and implementing fair rent in the U.S., an article from Shelterforce contrasts existing market-based and subsidized models with an alternative approach like Zurich’s “cost rent” system. It highlights the disconnect between rent, operating costs, and affordability, questioning the sustainability of profit-driven housing. The discussion examines cooperative housing models and the potential for decommodifying housing while acknowledging structural limitations within capitalist economies. Ultimately, the article asks whether housing should be treated as a public service, similar to education, and what policies could ensure long-term affordability without reliance on market fluctuations or income restrictions.
Read more at the source link.
FULL STORY: What Makes Rent ‘Fair’
Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.
Barcelona Buys Building to Prevent Tenant Evictions
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Tampa Rejects Rent Control, Citing Legal Concerns
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Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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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
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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.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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