The Institute for Justice developed model legislation that would reduce or eliminate zoning and building code barriers to low-cost, small and shared housing units.
The Institute for Justice (IJ) has published the ROOM Act, a model bill aimed at improving housing affordability by “Restoring Options in Occupancy Models.”
The legislation, which IJ plans to help introduce in multiple states, aims to eliminate barriers to co-living and single-room occupancy (SRO) arrangements that offer affordable housing options for single individuals, yet are prohibited by zoning codes and building regulations in much of the country.
According to an IJ press release, “Single-room occupancy was a standard fixture in many cities, but was aggressively and deliberately phased out by local governments in the mid-20th century, often during counterproductive efforts at urban renewal.” In expensive cities, this led to more people becoming homeless when they couldn’t afford larger homes.
Read the full story: Institute For Justice Introduces First-in-Nation Single-Room Occupancy Model Legislation, “ROOM Act,” to Combat Housing Crisis in States
LA delays state housing mandate with 'low-rise ordinance'
The new ordinance allows the city to delay implementing SB 79, a state law requiring more density near transit.
Atlanta's Beltline hits 79% of its affordable housing goal
The walking, biking, and transit corridor set a goal to create 5,600 affordable housing units in the area by 2030.
Charleston Creates ‘Workforce Housing District’ With Permanent Affordability
The city has a goal of adding 3,500 new housing units by 2032.
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.
Satanic Place Names
From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.
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.
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