What $4 in increased property taxes in the Vancouver region could buy in terms of affordable housing development.
"Metro Vancouver is examining the prospect of raising property taxes by about $4 per household to fund construction of new affordable units," reports Jennifer Saltman.
The tax is estimated to raise $4 million a year, to fund partnerships between the regional district’s nonprofit housing corporation and member municipalities "to build housing on publicly owned vacant land."
"Metro’s housing portfolio includes 49 sites in 11 municipalities — about 3,400 units. The corporation uses rents, grant funding and property taxes to pay for operation and maintenance of those sites, along with redevelopment. The majority of the housing was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s," explains Saltman. "A new annual requisition of $4 million per year, or about $4 per household, could pay for at least 50 new units — or one four-storey apartment building — annually on bare municipal land."
FULL STORY: Metro Vancouver considers tax hike to help pay for affordable housing
Affordable Housing Bond Nixed From the California Ballot
Supporters of the proposed bond say the measure will have more success in the future.
Vancouver City Council Eliminates Parking Mandates, Supports TOD
In a significant step for more diverse housing and transit-friendly development, the Vancouver City Council eliminated parking minimums and adopted a Transit-Oriented Areas (TOA) policy.
Braille Signage Now at All Vancouver Bus Stops
The city completed installation of signage for people with visual impairments at over 8,000 bus stops.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
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
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
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
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions