Political opposition may stand in the way of Oregon's plans to raise money for affordable housing by increasing the fees paid when filing real estate documents by more than 100%.
"Oregon politicians are split over a proposed $15 rise in the $11 base charge Oregonians pay when they file a real estate document at their county courthouse, which is money that housing advocates have categorized as a fee, but Republicans say is a tax increase in disguise."
"Housing advocates say they're still hopeful that the funding mechanism will pass, particularly since the cost of housing is a problem in just about every corner of the state. A recent survey by the Oregon Progress Board found that 82 percent of low-income renters are spending more than the recommended 30 percent of their income on housing; the same is true for nearly half of all low-income homeowners in Oregon."
Many lawmakers have said they would prefer using an incentive program to encourage developers to build affordable housing.
Read the full story: Plan to raise money for affordable housing hits potential snag
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.
Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity
Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.
Move over, LA: St. Louis gears up for Olympics, invests millions in downtown redevelopment
The Missouri city will host the 2028 Olympic soccer group stage and knockout matches.
Maryland’s $15 billion bridge project gains key approval
The Maryland Transit Authority said the project will create over 60,000 jobs and add $23 billion to the local economy.
‘No clear next steps’ for Chicago's permanent festival grounds
Eleventh Ward Ald. Nicole Lee has suggested Soldier Field as a possible location for the permanent event space.
California, Hawaii, Rhode Island approve housing propositions
Hawaii and Rhode Island each approved their sole proposition, while California approved two of its three.
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