Faced with increasing numbers of residents more than 50 percent of their income on housing costs, the mayor of New Orleans has announced his intentions to build or preserve 7,500 affordable units by 2021.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced a new affordable housing plan during the annual "State of City" address this week.
"According to the plan, the city will 'build or preserve' 7,500 affordable housing units by 2021 — with 4,000 units available by 2018, followed by an additional 3,500 units," reports Alex Woodward. To do so, "the city will 'leverage' city-owned property and other public land for affordable housing by reserving tax-adjudicated properties in 'target neighborhoods,' and by increasing its use of 'priority bids' at sheriff’s auctions and public sales." According to Woodward, the city will partner with "the Finance Authority of New Orleans to help people with their downpayments and closing costs, with local employers on incentives for employees to live closer to their jobs, and with the Regional Transit Authority to offer more public transit options in underserved neighborhoods."
The mayor's plan follows the path blazed by a Housing NOLA [pdf] report released last year, which called for 5,000 new units.
FULL STORY: Mayor Landrieu unveils five-year affordable housing plan
Louisiana State Senate Votes to Preempt Locals on Inclusionary Zoning
Earlier this week, the Louisiana State Senate approved SB 462, which preempts local authorities from approving inclusionary zoning.
New Orleans Added Almost 2,00 Affordable Units in 2016
A report from HousingNOLA about efforts to create and preserve affordable housing in New Orleans finds reasons to celebrate and reasons to keep working on the challenge.
New Orleans Housing Report Card: “F” for Affordable Housing
A New Orleans nonprofit has failed the city’s affordable housing efforts for the third year running, citing local agencies’ inability to convert the city’s many underused properties into safe and affordable housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie