Proposed changes could have a profound impact on the two million American households receiving rent subsidies through the Section 8 voucher program.
"The Obama administration on Wednesday proposed sweeping changes to the biggest federal subsidy program for low-income renters in an effort to encourage more poor renters to move to wealthier neighborhoods," reports Laura Kusisto.
"The changes in the Section 8 voucher program would give a bigger subsidy to tenants in expensive neighborhoods, helping them make up the difference between what they can afford and the high rents in areas that often have better schools and transportation," adds Kusisto. On the other end of the spectrum, the new system would decrease subsidies headed to poorer neighborhoods—a move that creates concern among landlords and tenant groups, who warned of increased evictions and rising rents as a result.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development hopes to produce a final draft of the changes by the fall.
The article might be behind a paywall for some readers.
FULL STORY: Obama Administration Unveils Proposed Changes to Section 8 Subsidy Program
April Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month
A key federal housing assistance program is in peril, Maui tries to balance housing affordability with its tourism-based economy, and a landmark Virginia law could set a new standard for road safety.
Housing Vouchers as a Key Piece of Houston’s Housing Strategy
The Houston Housing Authority supports 19,000 households through the housing voucher program.
Texas Law Bars Source of Income Discrimination
The law seeks to address a growing number of HOA regulations that prohibit renting to Section 8 voucher recipients.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)