Changes in the multifamily mortgage market have transformed a fragmented, localized mortage market into a highly liquid one. Certain segments of the market -- in particular, small rental properties in urban areas -- may well be underserved.
The multifamily mortgage market has changed dramatically over the last two decades. The relative importance of the thrifts -- once the major source of financing for multifamily rental housing -- has declined, while commercial banks, the government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) and private conduits have become the dominant players. Government involvement in the market has also devolved to the state and local level, and the nature of its involvement has changed. These developments have transformed a fragmented, localized mortgage market into a highly liquid one with access to capital throughout the world. While these changes have for the most been part positive, certain segments of the market -- in particular, small rental properties in urban areas?may well be underserved.
Thanks to Kurt Sommer
FULL STORY: The Impacts of Changes in Multifamily Housing Finance on Older Urban Areas

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

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

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Adaptive Reuse Will Create Housing in a Suburban Texas Strip Mall
A developer is reimagining a strip mall property as a mixed-use complex with housing and retail.

Study: Anti-Homelessness Laws Don’t Work
Research shows that punitive measures that criminalized unhoused people don’t help reduce homelessness.

In U.S., Urban Gondolas Face Uphill Battle
Cities in Latin America and Europe have embraced aerial transitways — AKA gondolas — as sustainable, convenient urban transport, especially in tricky geographies. American cities have yet to catch up.
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
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont