The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced two actions last week intended to expand the reach of federal housing voucher programs.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it will increase the definition of fair market rents by 12 percent, to increase the amount of rent that qualifies for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, according to a August 31 press release.
“These updated Fair Market Rents and our funding will ensure households can utilize vouchers in a competitive rental market,” said HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge in a statement included in the press release. The rising definition of fair market rate reflects the rising cost of rental housing around the United States, as well as the inflation that has defined the economy for over a year.
In addition to the change to fair market housing, the Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) also announced an additional $113 million in Housing Choice Voucher funding awards for 118 high-performing public housing agencies in 36 states, according to the press release.
FULL STORY: HUD Updates Fair Market Rents; Makes $113 Million Available in Affordable Housing Vouchers
Vital Communities: Housing Quality for Social Equality
Transit-rich, “inner ring” neighborhoods with multi-family, mid- and high-rise housing (going beyond the limits of missing middle housing) will be necessary to deliver access to high-quality, safe, and affordable housing.
As Luxury Rents Drop, Low-Income Tenants Pay More
With increasing pressure on the nation's supply of affordable housing, low- and middle-income renters are seeing their rents go up while higher-quality apartments drop prices to lure back remote workers.
Opinion: Public Housing Won't Solve the Affordability Crisis
Seeking repeal of the Faircloth Amendment could be a needless distraction in the new administration's efforts to create more affordable housing, according to an article by Jenny Schuetz for the Brookings Intitution.
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