Washington, D.C. might prohibit landlords from asking tenants for criminal histories, at least at first pass.

Under a bill awaiting consideration by the D.C. Council, landlords would not be allowed to ask about prospective tenant’s criminal histories before extending a conditional housing offer.
Jen Kinney reports that the measure is designed to "level the playing field" for the approximately 60,000 D.C. residents with conviction records. In April of this year, HUD affirmed that denying housing based on a criminal record alone violates fair housing rules.
After extending the conditional offer, landlords could review certain serious or violent convictions that have occurred in the past seven years. They would then have the option to revoke the offer.
Inability to find housing is acknowledged as a major factor in prison recidivism, particularly since housing security can lay a "foundation" for stable employment, family connections, and healthcare.
Ban-the-box legislation on employment applications exists in more than 100 cities and counties, as well as 13 states, Next City notes. D.C. joins Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans as one of the few cities to consider banning the box in the housing sector.
FULL STORY: D.C. Moves to Ban the Box on Housing Applications

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