Experts say the change to the HUD budget would make it more difficult to identify people who are homeless and connect them with services, and to prevent homelessness.
The article explores the far-reaching consequences of President Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget, which seeks to consolidate three major homeless assistance programs—Continuum of Care grants, Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA), and the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)—into a single block grant. This move would eliminate specialized housing and services for vulnerable populations like people with HIV/AIDS and those with chronic mental illness.
Experts warn that the restructuring would dismantle the country’s coordinated homeless response system, cut more than $500 million in critical funding, and impose a two-year cap on assistance. Overall, the changes in the budget risk leaving over 275,000 people without housing. Programs like Denver’s Beacon Place and initiatives in Atlanta and Boston, which rely on continuum of care funding, could be severely impacted.
Critics—including leaders from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, and the National Low Income Housing Coalition—say the proposal would ultimately increase homelessness rather than reduce it.
FULL STORY: How Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response
Fair Housing Act May Cover Renters with Criminal Records
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Housing and Opportunity
In a new article and accompanying policy brief, Arthur Acolin and Susan Wachter of Penn IUR write about their new research into the relationship between housing access and opportunity.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
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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.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
San Francisco Mayor Backtracks on Homelessness Goal
Mayor Dan Lurie ran on a promise to build 1,500 additional shelter beds in the city, complete with supportive services. Now, his office says they are “shifting strategy” to focus on prevention and mental health treatment.
How Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response
Experts say the change to the HUD budget would make it more difficult to identify people who are homeless and connect them with services, and to prevent homelessness.
The Vast Potential of the Right-of-Way
One writer argues that the space between two building faces is the most important element of the built environment.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont