The American Planning Association and the National League of Cities have announced a new partnership to find and implement solutions to the national housing affordability crisis.
The National League of Cities and the American Planning Association (APA) this week announced a new Housing Supply Accelerator in response to the worsening housing affordability crisis in the country. The announcement came within a few days of a report that the average national rent-to-income ratio reached 30 percent for the first time at the end of 2022.
The two organizations are working in “to improve local capacity, identify critical solutions, and speed reforms,” according to a press release from the APA. The press release specifically notes the role of local governments and planners in meeting housing demand. “The Housing Supply Accelerator will help localities do more with their housing dollars and maintain their efforts even after these one-time programs wind down,” according to the press release.
A recent article by Patrick Sisson in Planning magazine lays out the case for zoning reform, undoing the strict prohibitions of multi-family housing and requirements that enabled the car-centric sprawl of the 20th century planning status quo, as a critical solution for the housing affordability crisis in the United States.
Expect more announcements in the near future. The APA promises to reach out in the coming weeks to key housing supply stakeholders, housing association partners, and housing policy partners to participate in the Housing Supply Accelerator.
News coverage of the Housing Supply Accelerator is available from Smart Cities Dive.
FULL STORY: Housing Supply Accelerator
New Playbook Aims to Accelerate Housing Supply in the US.
As communities across the country work to address massive housing shortage and affordability issues, a new guide from the American Planning Association and the National League of Cities can help decision-makers chart a clear path forward.
Maine Legislators, in Search of a Fix for Rising Housing Costs, Consider Zoning Reforms
The housing affordability crisis is a legislative priority in the Pine Tree State.
Has the Millennial Housing Boom Only Just Begun?
The largest, most diverse generation in U.S. history has experienced setbacks, but many are now moving past student debt and the effects of the Great Recession into their prime buying years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and harrowing close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)