Homelessness continues to rise, and recent legislation aimed at boosting housing production may be limited in its effect.
The number of unhoused people in California grew in 2023 despite legislative efforts to increase housing production and support affordable housing projects, with the potential impact of a bevy of pro-development laws limited by high interest rates and other market forces.
In an article for CALmatters, Ben Christopher describes the shift in historic housing policy as state officials cracked down on cities not keeping up with their housing goals and passed a series of laws aimed at encouraging production. “A throng of state legislation passed in 2023 designed to clear aside local restrictions on construction and to diminish the threat of anti-development lawsuits, all with the goal of supercharging development.”
However, 2023 also saw a reduction in protections for renters and a rising rate of evictions coupled with more punitive policies targeting unhoused residents. As Christopher points out, “Despite all the new pro-construction legislation, a boom probably isn’t in the cards for 2024. High interest rates have put a damper on new construction and those in the business of building affordable housing say insufficient public funding remains an obstacle.”
FULL STORY: Year in review: California homelessness worsens even as housing bills pass
California Sues Norwalk Over Shelter Moratorium
The state says the city of Norwalk’s prohibition on new shelters and transitional and supportive housing violates anti-discrimination and fair housing laws.
California’s New Housing Laws: What You Need to Know
The state legislature passed dozens of new laws aimed at improving housing affordability and streamlining the development process to meet rising demand.
Report: DC Needs ‘Immense’ Funding Increase to Address Housing Crisis
Close to 60,000 District households can’t afford their housing costs, according to research from the Urban Institute.
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?
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service