Jeff Jamawat looks at the promise of a nuanced approach to tax reform being tested in 17 local jurisdictions in Pennsylvania to head off the spiral of rising prices and displacement instigated by the construction of transit infrastructure.
Across the country, there is rising concern that the economic growth and development spurred by the construction of transit infrastructure may be pushing out those very residents who rely on the service for their daily commute and personal mobility.
Rick Rybeck of Just Economics, a DC-based consulting firm, has proposed a potential solution in the form of a two-prong approach to tax reform: "lower the property tax on building values
and raise the property tax on land values." While, "[a] lower tax rate makes [buildings] cheaper to construct, improve, and maintain," explains Rybeck, "a higher tax on land values can keep costs from spiraling out of control based on real estate speculation," says Jamawat.
"This tax-based strategy is essentially a way of rewarding the
developer for creating positive externalities (e.g., increasing the
supply of affordable housing in TOD) and encouraging landowners to put
their lands to the highest and best use."
FULL STORY: Can Tax Reform Make Transit-Oriented Development Communities Affordable?
Louisville Launches ‘Anti-Displacement Tool’
After a years-long, tenant-led effort, Louisville will use a new tool to analyze whether a proposed housing development can meet a neighborhood’s housing needs and income levels. If it doesn’t, the city won’t subsidize it.
Beltline Surpasses Annual Affordable Housing Goal
The Atlanta Beltline agency is actively working to prevent the displacement of longtime residents along the trail system, where property values are rising rapidly.
Can We Resist Displacement From Transit-Oriented Development?
Transit stations increase nearby jobs and populations, but they could also contribute to displacement. What can we do differently?
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.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions