Suburbia isn't an accident.
Devon Marisa Zuegel has written a three-story series about the government policies that support suburban growth in the United States.
The third article, titled "Exempting Suburbia," examines the preferential tax trearment offered to suburban sprawl. "As a result, it is cheaper to spend a dollar on housing than on something else, so it encourages people to spend more money on housing," writes Zuegel. "The tax code also favors new construction over renovation and infill development."
The article examines the roots of the suburban preference along three themes, as evidenced by both state and federal tax codes:
- Homeowners can deduct their property and mortgage interest.
- Profits on home sales are not taxed.
- New construction is a tax shelter.
Zuegel includes more detail on each of those claims.
Previous installments of the series include examinations of the history of government support for suburbia and the government policies that support the mortgages that finance suburbia.
Hat tip to Strong Towns for sharing the article.
FULL STORY: Exempting Suburbia How suburban sprawl gets special treatment in our tax code
More McMansions: Upscaling Suburbia
According to this article, the market forces behind large home construction are alive and well. In a process of suburban gentrification, developers purchase older, smaller homes and build "McMansions" in their place.
Rethinking Suburban Development: New Trends in Creating Livable Communities
Discover new trends in suburban development focused on creating more livable, sustainable communities for future growth.
Institutional Investors Gaining a Larger Footprint in the Housing Market, Report Says
The locations with the fastest growing populations are seeing the most dramatic increase in investor-owned single-family housing rentals.
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
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie