The ongoing shutdown of the federal government could begin to have terrible consequences for some of the nation's most vulnerable populations.
Suzy Khimm and Laura Strickler report:
Federal contracts for more than 1,000 government-funded properties that house low-income renters have already expired as a result of the government shutdown, which could delay critical repairs and place poor families at risk of eviction, advocates and landlords say.
"About 1,150 contracts with private landlords have expired since the shutdown began on Dec. 22," which "represents about 5 percent of all contracts for a federal Section 8 program known as Project-Based Rental Assistance, which subsidizes rent and utilities for 1.2 million low-income families, including many who are elderly or disabled."
More than 1,000 additional contracts could expire by February if the shutdown persists.
The article includes more details on the potential measures that can be taken to prevent evictions, as well additional consequences of the shutdown for federal housing assistance programs.
FULL STORY: Because of the shutdown, more than 1,000 affordable housing contracts have expired
Local Public Housing Agencies Resist HUD's Proposed Section 8 Rule
A proposed rule to disqualify all families living with an undocumented person from receiving federal housing aid is available for comment. We know a few people who oppose the rule.
New HUD Rule Could Redefine the Geography of Section 8 Voucher Payments
A new rule will make it easier to send vouchers for rent assistance to wealthier neighborhoods. The Trump Administration is not a willing partner in this effort.
Missouri Governor Reverses Anti-Discrimination Housing Policies
A new state law bars cities from prohibiting source-of-income discrimination against tenants using Section 8 housing vouchers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
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A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Mamdani overhauls NYC's Vision Zero plan with 100 new policy goals
The overhaul aims to reduce traffic deaths and make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers through lower speed limits, new safety infrastructure and more.
Amtrak not solely to blame for New Jersey commuter rail's unreliability, report finds
A new study from the Garden State Initiative found that NJ Transit’s budget grew 20% across a 4 year period, but reliability declined significantly over the same period.
EPA erases limits on planet-warming pollution from power plants
Under Monday’s plan, power plants would still have some limits on how much mercury, arsenic and other contaminants they can emit.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
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Journal of the American Planning Association