A Harvard study has found that those making $45,000 per year are struggling to meet the increasing cost of rent in cities across the country.

While low-income renters already face the tough task of affording rent and their basic needs, a growing number of renters in the middle-class are facing similar difficulties. Martha C. White reports on NBCNews.com that a new study by Harvard University has found that many renters who should be able to afford higher rents, pay for basic needs and save for retirement are now facing setbacks.
This situation is the result of a perfect storm of growing rental demand, especially from wealthier families, a shrinking pool of moderately-priced rentals and stagnant wages that haven't kept up with rent inflation, which is rising faster today than it has in 30 years.
The report notes that once the high-end rental market becomes saturated, more affordable units will likely become available, but until that time the middle class will continue to spend more on housing and less on other discretionary items.
FULL STORY: It's Not Just the Poor Who Can't Make Rent

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.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Portland Raises Parking Fees to Pay for Street Maintenance
The city is struggling to bridge a massive budget gap at the Bureau of Transportation, which largely depleted its reserves during the Civd-19 pandemic.

Spokane Mayor Introduces Housing Reforms Package
Mayor Lisa Brown’s proposals include deferring or waiving some development fees to encourage more affordable housing development.

Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
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