Neal Peirce comments on an alarming report from the National Housing Conference and worries about the impact of the housing crisis on the economy.
"Many of the stable "middle class" working folk -- the elementary school teachers and police officers, licensed practical nurses and retail salespeople whom we know are essential to make our communities and entire metro areas tick -- are getting priced out of decent housing. Median incomes for those occupations now fall short of the nearly $50,000 necessary to qualify for a national-average median priced home of $156,000, the Housing Conference reports. In almost half the 60 metro areas included in the survey, families dependent on a police officers salary are priced out of the market. Families dependent on one teachers salary cant afford to buy a home in 32.What's often forgotten is that lack of housing can drag down an entire regional economy. "
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: Housing: Regions Imperiled

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

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.

House Moves to Rescind California’s Emissions Standards
The state has been allowed to set its own emissions goals, including a mandate to transition to electric or zero-emissions vehicles by 2035.

Portland Proposal Would Suspend Development Fees to Spur Housing Construction
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Portland Mayor Keith Wilson announced their policy plan Thursday, with the goal to jumpstart housing construction.

Honolulu Community College Celebrates Culture and Sustainability
Honolulu Community College brought together more than 320 students, staff, and community members for a day of Hawaiian cultural activities, music, and sustainability-focused learning at its annual Hoʻolauleʻa celebration.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions