It got more expensive to neglect properties in Washington, D.C. this week.
It will soon become harder for landlords to neglect vacant or blighted properties under a bill the D.C. Council unanimously passed today," reports Andrew Giambrone.
In effect, the measure implements higher property tax rates on vacant and blighted properties (5 and 10 percent more, respectively) "until owners affirmatively prove to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs that they've abated issues," according to Giambrone.
The measure is designed to respond to residents' complaints about the public health and safety issues connected to vacant and blighted properties. The idea is that negligent property owners and landlords will respond faster to the increased taxes. At-Large Councilmember Robert White also expressed the idea that vacant properties are a missed opportunity to provide shelter to the District's homeless population.
FULL STORY: D.C. Tightens Regulations on Vacant Properties
$160 Million in Bond Funding for Demolitions on the Ballot in Detroit
Proposal N, on the ballot for Detroit voters next week, will provide $160 million in bond funding for demolitions and $90 million to mothball homes for future rehab, but, according to this opinion, it won't solve the city's blight challenges.
Detroit Continues Demolition Program After Lead Risks Revealed
The city of Detroit said it would halt a demolition program after a report revealed the amount of lead released by demolitions into the environment, risking the health of children and other local residents.
Demolitions Can't Keep Pace With Vacancies in Baltimore
As the city of Baltimore grapples with a declining population, it faces obstinate challenges in controlling the problems associated with vacant buildings, including the "vicious cycle" of vacancies causing more vacancies.
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.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City
The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.
Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.
Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.
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