An editorial from a building industry leader criticizes the Australian government's simplistic thinking on increasing the production of affordable housing.
"Recent media statements by Treasurer Peter Costello and Prime Minister John Howard relating to the problem have focused on increased land prices and the inflationary impacts of urban growth boundaries. But this debate has failed to take into account two other factors that are pushing home ownership out of reach â€" development opportunities in established suburbs, and property taxes."
"Recent reforms to industrial relations legislation mean the Victorian building industry is well placed to build a diverse range of homes at competitive prices. But the industry cannot influence the price of land â€" this can only be affected by a State Government that is prepared to provide the building industry with development opportunities in the inner suburbs â€" a move that may prove unpopular in the short term, especially with local government, but will boost housing affordability."
Read the full story: More land won't ease home crisis
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
Arizona, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania hope to finally advance climate goals post-midterms
The three states have spent years under Republican or divided control.
Democrats’ victory may threaten act to expedite energy projects
Democrats may decide to vote against the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, and negotiate a more favorable bill once the 120th Congress begins.
Voters choose public transit, approve $31 billion in funding
Approved projects include $101,000 for reduced-cost transit in a Michigan town and $14 billion for regional transit in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority