The housing crisis calls for creative solutions.

The affordable housing crisis rages. "The U.S. isn’t just short a few units, we’re falling woefully behind. A report by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and National Apartment Association (NAA) suggest we need 4.6 million new units by 2030," reports Patrick Sisson. Though there's a lot of work to be done, some opportunities are overlooked, either because they address the problem from a different angle or they're outside of the traditional government playbook. The examples described in the report encompass "…inclusionary zoning, removing parking minimums, changing building codes to make it easier to rehab older buildings, and new funding models," Sisson writes.
In surveying different ways to approach housing issues, Sisson looks at one example from Salt Lake City, among others, where officials are using affordable housing to address the needs of their homeless population. "Last fall, the city dedicated $30 million to address homelessness and provide 'deeply affordable housing' for those most in need. 'The solution to homelessness is housing,' said city councilmember, Derek Kitchen," Sisson writes.
FULL STORY: Solving affordable housing: Creative solutions around the U.S.

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.

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

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie