New rules will require more affordable housing in affluent areas, but also allow more exceptions.
Montgomery County has made the first major changes in years to its Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program, which requires large developments to include affordable and workforce units. Since 1974, the program has created more than 5,400 MPDUs, according to Bethesda Magazine. But the affordability crisis has grown rapidly nationwide, and the program hasn't been revised or updated in more than a decade.
Now, county councilmembers have unanimously approved two bills that could substantially alter the MPDU program's impacts. The first, aiming to promote economic integration, raises the inclusionary requirement in certain affluent parts of the county from 12.5 to 15 percent.
At the same time, another bill makes it easier for developers to avoid the requirement altogether by paying an in-lieu fee, locating affordable units nearby instead of onsite, or coming to another arrangement with the county housing department. The same bill also requires developers of small-to-medium projects to pay into the county's Housing Initiative Fund. See Bethany Rodgers' coverage in Bethesda Magazine for more analysis.
FULL STORY: County’s Affordable Housing Program Is Getting Its First Major Update in More Than a Decade
Inclusionary Zoning to Fund Workforce Housing, But for Hotel Developments
A new law in Portland, Maine could be the first to charge an affordable housing fee from new hotel developments.
Assessing Feasibility Studies for Inclusionary Zoning
Cities use the studies to inform decisions about inclusionary housing programs. But a closer look shows that there is great variation in the methods and metrics, with no one correct approach for every situation.
How San Francisco Ran Out of Affordable Housing Funds, and What to Do About It
Analysis and policy recommendations from Bay Area-based think tank SPUR focuses on how poorly designed inclusionary zoning the exact opposite of the desired effect.
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.
Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.
Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
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