New affordable housing regulations will require cities to submit plans outlining how they will meet housing demand in their jurisdictions.

New affordable housing laws go into effect in New Jersey starting in January 2025, promising major changes to affordable housing development in the state.
As Kimberly Izar explains in Next City, “In March, Governor Murphy signed a bill that amends the state’s fair housing laws to increase affordable housing and strengthen enforcement of the Mount Laurel Doctrine, a constitutional mandate first set by the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1975.”
The law is similar to California’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment, which calculates how much housing cities need to build to meet demand and requires them to submit plans for how they will create sufficient affordable housing. Cities impacted by the doctrine could see more diverse housing types and multi-family buildings, which could help make housing more affordable for low- and moderate-income families.
The state budget, meanwhile, includes a $10 million investment in boosting accessory dwelling units. “The recent piece of legislation will distribute up to $1 million to at least 10 towns or cities ready to increase accessory dwelling units.”
FULL STORY: New Jersey’s New Affordable Housing Rules Will Soon Take Effect. Here’s What’s Next.

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.
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