Some housing advocates say the $16.5 million deal’s 10% affordable housing requirement is insufficient and that incentives shouldn’t be given out on a case by case basis.
The Baltimore County Council approved a 30-year property tax break for a “politically connected” developer in exchange for a pledge to set aside 10 percent of their units as affordable. As Christian Olaniran explains in an article for CBS News, the deal applies to two projects that include county-owned property and totals $16.5 million.
While some city and county officials praised the move, “Housing advocate Nick Stewart, who is running for county executive in 2026, called the 10% set-aside insufficient and said the county's practice of tailoring legislation for individual developers ‘is part and parcel of the culture.’” Some council members also criticized the county’s focus on the its western neighborhoods while east side projects remain unfunded.
Read the full story: Baltimore County Council approves major tax break for affordable housing development
Loopholes in Texas Development Tax Break Break Affordable Housing Promises
A tax break approved by the Texas Legislature is delivering massive benefits to developers in the state, but advocates say the public isn't getting the promised return on investment.
Tax Breaks Offered in Exchange for Affordable Housing in Downtown Phoenix
The state of Arizona doesn't allow local jurisdictions to charge affordable housing fees for new developments, so the city of Phoenix is offering tax breaks as an incentive instead.
Seeking Mixed-Income Housing Developers in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina is concerned about the lack of affordable housing in its city, potentially making it difficult for fire fighters, teachers, and more to afford to live in the community.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority