Neal Peirce reviews a design competition that encourages fresh ideas for affordable housing that is attractive and uses environmentally friendly materials.
"Affordable housing has been called a noble cause with a bad reputation. Everyone is for letting less-wealthy people have a roof over their heads. But too often people equate "affordable" with "ugly," opposing worker housing out of fear it will diminish their own home's value...Millions of lower-income Americans eke out rent payments consuming close to half their income, or are obliged to commute long distances and endure overcrowded, drafty or even unsafe housing."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
Read the full story: Could 'Affordable' Housing Be Well-Designed -- And Green?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Data reveals that NYC’s bet on congestion pricing has paid off
After almost two years of the program, reports show positive impacts on traffic and air quality and no disruptions to parking.
Denver is solving homelessness. Why aren't the rest of us?
Since 2023, Denver's street homeless population has decreased by 64%, proving that effective tools exist to support those in need of housing.
SF weighs putting data center inside abandoned mall
An unnamed technology company may buy the entire building, and convert one-third of it into what development consultants are calling a “regenerative urban energy center.”
Michigan needs billions to save its water infrastructure. The state won't fund it
Michigan needs to invest $2.8 billion per year over the next 20 years to fix its water infrastructure. The FY 2027 budget allocates only $27.9 million.
Trump asks Supreme Court to allow border wall through Texas national park
Judge Kathleen Cardone previously blocked the Big Bend border wall project, and Texas’ Land Commissioner has spoken out against it as well.
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
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Montrose County
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority