A new program underway at the San Francisco Arts Commission would make it easier for artists to gain access to the city's stock of affordable rental and ownership opportunities.

The San Francisco Arts Commission is taking steps to ease the process of applying for affordable rental housing—for artists, at least. TK reports:
The Arts Commission is working on a provocative plan that would designate some affordable housing units specially for artists. "Units specifically earmarked for people who qualify as working artists or cultural workers," says Tom DeCaigny, the city's director of cultural affairs. "So it would increase their chances within the lottery."
The program is reacting to the difficulty for artists in applying for the city's affordable housing lottery. The new program would grant artists special status in applying for affordable housing, like veterans or people with disabilities. In 2016, the city of San Francisco granted a low cost housing preference to teachers, and has begun developing rental units especially for teachers.
FULL STORY: San Francisco Looks to Create Low-Cost Housing Preference for Artists

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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