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
Read the full story: HUD No. 01-033
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan
Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.
Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment
Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.
Newsom vetoes high-speed rail supervision bill after agency receives condemnatory audit
The audit found the CHSRA approved almost $600,000 in unallowable travel expenses.
Nation sees first electric plane-boat hybrid take off in public demo
The Viceroy Seaglider can fly at speeds of 180mph for up to 180 miles.
One of nation’s poorest counties to receive $6 billion data center
The developers estimate the project will create 200 permanent jobs and 1,000 temporary construction jobs.
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 Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello