AB 71, originating from the California Assembly, would raise funding for low-income housing construction by ending an existing tax break for second homes.

"In their quest for more money for low-income housing construction, state lawmakers are now turning to Californians who own more than one home," reports Liam Dillon.
"Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) introduced a bill Friday to end a tax break that allows homeowners to deduct the interest from the mortgage on their second home from their state taxes," adds Dillon. The tax break amounted to $300 million in lost revenue for the state, with 31,000 residents benefitting from the break. "The bill, AB 71, would direct those funds to an existing program that finances low-income housing construction through tax credits."
The article includes statements from Assemblymember Chiu, who argues for the benefits of AB 71 to the larger portion of the population in need of housing. Dillon also details the other bills already moving through the legislature that have similar goals for easing the state's housing crunch. AB 71 is unique among the many housing bills, writes Dillon, because it strips away an existing benefit from homeowners.
FULL STORY: Tax breaks for second homes could end under lawmaker's proposal to fund low-income housing

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.

Albuquerque Route 66 Motels Become Affordable Housing
A $4 million city fund is incentivizing developers to breathe new life into derelict midcentury motels.

DC Area County Eliminates Bus Fares
Montgomery County joins a growing trend of making transit free.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)