Columbia, MD, a planned community developed by the Rouse Co. in 1967, is experiencing an affordable housing shortage.
"Thirty-six years after Rouse developed Columbia as a town where anyone could live--regardless of race or economic background--the planned community may have become too successful to maintain that vision. The high demand to live in the community of 96,000 residents means not just anyone can afford to live there anymore. Decent townhouses cost in the $200,000s, and standard single-family homes sell in the $300,000s....Those high prices also keep out many of the area's teachers, police officers and service workers, who should be able to live alongside Columbia's wealthier residents....But even in the beginning of the planned community, Columbia's vision of economic diversity was questioned. In 1967...the community's housing prices--$19,750 for the cheapest home and $128 for the lowest monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment--were too costly for people with low incomes."
Thanks to Connie Chung
FULL STORY: Prices close the door to some homebuyers

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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?

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie