In a dramatic move to spur construction of much-needed multi-family rental housing across the country, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez today proposed that HUD raise the FHA loan limits by 25 percent.
"Since loan limits were last increased, construction costs in some areas have risen by 25 percent or more. These increasing costs, coupled with the static loan limits, have driven developers to more lucrative projects.As a result many Americans have been left to scramble for suitable housing. A recent HUD report reveals that nearly five million American households suffer from worst case housing needs. These families are defined as renters who receive no federal housing assistance, have incomes below 50 percent of their area's median family income and who pay more than half of their income for rent and utilities or live in severely substandard housing."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: HUD No. 01-033
Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.
HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.
Conservatives’ Decongestion Pricing Flip-Flop
When it comes to solving traffic problems, the current federal administration is on track for failure, waste, and hypocrisy.
Chicago Transit Agencies on Brink of Major Crisis
Without additional funding, regional transit agencies will be forced to cut services by 40 percent.
Alberta’s Orphan Well Cleanup Plan Sparks Debate Over Use of Public Funds
Alberta’s upcoming plan to address nearly 80,000 abandoned oil wells has sparked controversy over the potential use of public funds, despite government claims that taxpayers won’t be footing the bill.
Renewable Energy Overtakes Coal for First Time
Solar and wind power generated close to a third of U.S. electricity supplies in 2024.
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.
Florida Atlantic University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
City of Piedmont, CA
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland