An audit has found discrepancies in the amount of funds collected as part of Seattle's Incentive Zoning program due to weaknesses in enforcement and accounting practices.

Seattle's Incentive Zoning program, designed to allow developers to contribute to an affordable housing fund or to provide affordable units in their projects in return for additional residential floor area, has been faulted for letting some developers skate by without putting in their full contribution. Doug Trumm of The Urbanist writes that the city auditor has found an additional $3.4 million owed to the city's affordable housing fund as part of the program.
The audit suggests City departments have inaccurate accountings of projects that have made, or were required to make, affordable housing contributions. “Furthermore, developers for at least ten projects failed to pay for or finalize performance agreements to provide affordable housing units at earlier stages of the permitting process,” the press release stated.
A work plan developed by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the Office of Housing is recommending some changes to the process of collecting and monitoring funds, including developing a clear process and review guidelines for applicants and an increased reporting requirement, with new metrics that are reviewable by the public.
FULL STORY: Oops: Seattle Finds $3.7 Million In Incentive Zoning Couch Cushions

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

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.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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)