What is the appropriate level of subsidization that affordable housing developers should receive? The article also describes New York City's unique inclusionary housing benefits.
"The shortage of affordable housing in NYT was a big issue in the recent mayor's race; and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg says he intends to create or preserve 165,000 low-income units by 2013."
"Although the federal government once took the lead in creating low-income housing, federal financing has dwindled. Now, the job falls heavily to nonprofit and private developers."
"But it is the responsibility of government to provide the least subsidy necessary to ensure affordability, housing experts say. The interests of the government and the developer should be in tension...The question arises: What are reasonable - or unreasonable costs?"
"In neighborhoods becoming increasingly prosperous, a developer who builds affordable housing can earn certain inclusionary housing benefits entitling him, or another developer, to build market-rate housing nearby at greater density than would otherwise be allowed." This program also promotes mixed-income housing.
Read the full story: Plans to Build Low-Rent Units Raise Question on Subsidies
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
US to reduce Colorado River water deliveries to Mexico
A new Colorado Treaty amendment reduces Mexico’s Colorado River water allocation by 250,000 acre feet.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop
New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.
Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan
The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.
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.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association