Like many cities around the country, Portland, Maine is faced with rising costs for housing as demand outpaces supply.
Stephanie Bouchard reports on the actions taken by officials in the city of Portland to respond to the city's tightening housing market.
Bouchard's coverage begins by comparing the city of Portland's housing market to the situation in the rest of country, citing research by the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies and case studies provided by housing programs in Boston and Connecticut.
Portland has taken action to address its housing shortage by hiring Jack Kartez, emeritus professor of community planning and development at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service, to produce a report currently under consideration by the city's housing committee. The policy recommendations under consideration include:
- "placing a moratorium on no-cause evictions"
- "improving the rules for accessory dwellings in existing properties"
- "working with partners such as Habitat for Humanity to rehabilitate city-owned tax-acquired properties to turn them into affordable housing"
FULL STORY: City acts to ease Portland housing shortage
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?
America’s Housing Crisis: Lessons Ignored and Challenges Ahead
A recent study reveals how decades of policy missteps, demographic shifts, and economic forces fueled America’s housing crisis, leaving millions — especially millennials — struggling amid rising demand, racial disparities, and climate-driven emergencies.
Six Positive Innovations in Housing From 2024
The year saw some encouraging developments in housing and zoning policies that could alleviate the housing crisis and offer renters and homebuyers more diverse options.
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