Planning and land use regulations are being blamed for Australia's high home prices, and also for the fact that four of its major cities are in a list of the 25 most unaffordable cities. Some feel planners are not planning with the people in mind.
"Australia has arrived at its present poor position despite having one of the most efficient and low-cost house building industries in the world."
"The cost increases are partly produced by rising government taxes, charges and regulatory requirements on houses. But, above all, they are due to planning restrictions."
"Gradually over a 40-year period the role of urban planners has switched. Planners used to determine where people wished to live and arranged roads, sewerage, school developments and other infrastructure to meet the demands. More urban planners have tried to dictate where people live, and designating this to be confined to within an 'urban growth boundary'."
"This sort of development is in line with the preferences of those who want to transplant to Australia the densely packed European-style city. Such people see this as ideal to promote culture and facilitate public transport."
FULL STORY: Planning rules price more people out of housing market

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie