Next month, Vancouver will begin a two-and-a-half year incentive program to encourage developers to build affordable housing.
Developers will be allowed to build more space, smaller units, and get reprieves from certain fees if they build affordable units. The city has struggled with short supplies of affordable and rental housing since tax beraks were eliminated in the 1970s.
"The program, which the city aims to start by July 6 and which will last until Dec. 15, 2011, is not just a first for Vancouver but for Canada, when it comes to a city pushing an affordable-housing agenda.
'I'm hoping we can create 2,000 units,' said Councillor Raymond Louie, who is spearheading the initiative at city hall that is being presented in a report going to council today. 'It's a pretty good economic stimulus package.'"
FULL STORY: Vancouver to boost building of low-cost rentals with stimulus plan
Houston Mayor Rebukes Housing Authority on Tax Break Deals
The mayor sternly denounced the city’s housing authority for going forward with tax break deals that critics say don’t bring enough new affordable housing to the city and reduce tax revenue for local schools and utilities.
New York Affordable Housing Program Set To Expire
A program that has supported the construction of thousands of affordable units could lapse if state lawmakers don’t approve an extension or revision.
Denver Debates Inclusionary Housing Plan
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.
Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
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