The program, which provides interest-free loans of up to $20,000 to qualifying first-time homeowners living and working in the city, has eased the strain of the affordable housing crisis for low-income families.
The Carlsbad Homebuyer Assistance Program is a housing trust fund established in 1994, as a response to state requirements that cities' general plans account for the future housing needs of community members from all economic segments. Through the Homebuyer program, an interest-free loan of up to $20,000 is available to qualifying first-time homeowners living or working in the city. Homeowners agree to share with the city a percentage of any profits from the sale of their home before the loan is paid off. Loan payments begin in the sixth year, and the loan must be fully repaid 15 years after purchase. Money recouped by the city is returned to the housing trust fund to benefit other affordable housing programs, and to provide incentives to builders constructing low-priced housing units. A spokesman for the program reported no defaults, no late payments and just one home resale in the program's seven year history.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: HOMEBUYER PROGRAM BOON TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service