A new pilot project doesn't have the funding to upend the housing market in one of the most expensive markets in the country, but it does set a precedent of support for new housing models.
Elijah Chiland reports on a pilot program approved Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors that will provide homeowners with "$75,000 in funding—as well as a streamlined permitting process—to construct accessory dwelling units (otherwise known as granny flats or in-law units) on their properties."
"In a similar arrangement, homeowners who already have second units on their properties can apply for up to $50,000 in funding for necessary renovations to the dwellings," adds Chiland. The 18-month project has $550,000 in funding available, which works out to enough funding for 7.3 new ADUs or 11 renovated ADUs.
Accessory dwelling units were identified as a relatively cheap form of housing that could help the county house its homeless population in the "Approved Strategies to Combat Homelessness" [pdf] report from February 2016.
FULL STORY: LA County will pay homeowners to build granny flats for the homeless

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

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

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

Trump's “Able Bodied” Public Housing Limits Could Displace Over 300,000 New Yorkers
As part of 43% cut to federal rental assistance, Trump is proposing a two-year limit on public housing tenure for “able bodied adults.”

Nine Ways to Use Curb Space That Aren’t Parking
California’s new daylighting law bans parking within 20 feet of crosswalks. How can cities best use this space?

ADUs for Sale? San Diego Could Legalize Backyard Condos
As one of 25 proposed amendments, San Diego may soon allow accessory dwelling units to be bought and sold as individual homes.
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.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada