Is anybody up for happy hour in Alexandria?
At the beginning of May, the City Council of Alexandria, Virginia approved a 1 percent increase on the city's meal tax to raise revenue for affordable housing.
The additional percentage will raise an expected $4.75 a year for the city's affordable housing fund, reports Patricia Sullivan for The Washington Post. The remainder of the meal tax goes directly to the city's general fund. Sullivan explains the current state of the city's affordable housing funding:
The affordable housing fund has no money at the moment, a result of the city’s decision in January to spend $9 million to help the Church of the Resurrection begin its effort to build 113 units of housing on its property. Housing Director Helen McIlvaine later said that developer contributions, which under state law the city must negotiate with each proposal, usually bring in about $4 million annually.
Sullivan also reports on the political opposition to the tax from the restaurant industry in the city—an angle also picked up by Dan Friedell, reporting for WTOP.
For more on the need for affordable housing in the city, as a result of changes in the housing market in the city of Alexandria, see also an article by Jared Brey for Next City.
FULL STORY: Alexandria raises meals tax to 5 percent to fund affordable housing
Lawsuit Contests End of of Single-Family Zoning in Alexandria
The legal challenge is the latest filed against similar zoning reform efforts around the country.
Alexandria Residents Weigh in on Zoning Reform
The city’s proposed ‘Zoning for Housing’ is drawing criticism from multiple sides.
Alexandria Set to Reveal Zoning Reform Details
The city will hold a series of public meetings this fall to explain its efforts to boost housing production and affordability.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)