Declining rental vacancy rates and increased interest in urban living are putting upwards pressure on housing prices throughout the country. But 2012 wasn't all bad news for attempts to retain and expand affordable housing in American cities.
Eva Wingren recounts the "Top 5 Wins" for affordable housing over the last year, which, in general, was defined by "local communities enacting some common sense changes to improve affordable housing opportunities for their neighbors." Wingren's list runs the gamut, from housing trust fund victories in several communities, to new regulations allowing for more compact dwellings, to successful efforts to end chronic veteran homelessness. Below is her list:
- Funding for affordable housing trust funds
- Small homes gained acceptance
- Homelessness dropped as chronically homeless veterans received permanent housing
- Affordable Care Act recognizes housing as a health issue
- Home prices finally stabilize
FULL STORY: 2012’s Top 5 Wins for Affordable Housing

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

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
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New State Study Suggests Homelessness Far Undercounted in New Mexico
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Michigan Bills Would Stiffen Penalties for Deadly Crashes
Proposed state legislation would close a ‘legal gap’ that lets drivers who kill get away with few repercussions.

Report: Bus Ridership Back to 86 Percent of Pre-Covid Levels
Transit ridership around the country was up by 85 percent in all modes in 2024.
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