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.'"
Read the full story: Vancouver to boost building of low-cost rentals with stimulus plan
Baltimore Grants Affordable Housing Developer 30-Year Tax Break
Some housing advocates say the $16.5 million deal’s 10% affordable housing requirement is insufficient and that incentives shouldn’t be given out on a case by case basis.
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies
International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.
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
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