Affordable Housing
New Orleans Endangers Funds by Not Using Them
Senator Mary Landrieu has threatened to take away some of New Orleans' unused federal dollars if they remain so. Of the unspent $34 million allocated for low-income housing, $11 million will be lost if there are no projects by May 31.
Housing Prices Low, But Not Affordable
The housing market has bombed, bringing prices and values to devastating lows. But despite lower prices, affordable housing is still in too short of supply, according to this piece from Time.
In Praise of Non-Profit Developers
John King of the San Francisco Chronicle trumpets the work of Bridge Housing in increasing the availability of quality affordable housing in the Bay Area. But is it enough? New studies say affordable housing is an uphill battle.
"Cost-Effective" Condos Cheaper than Rental
One developer has found a way to build condos at $60,000 less than it costs the average Toronto developer. Through deferrals from the city, money is made available to assist homebuyers with their down payments.
His Inn Rejected, A Developer Builds Affordable Housing
Matthew Klauer had intended to build a 44-room country inn on the 27-acre plot he purchased in Washington, Connecticut. Rejected by locals, Klauer is changing the plan and building 33 small homes using an affordable housing law.
Five Myths About Affordable Housing
The downturn in the housing market has led to a lot of misconceptions about housing. This piece from The Tyee identifies five myths about affordable housing.
City Buys Homes For Homeless
The city of Dallas is committing to purchase homes for hundreds of homeless residents, rather than building shelters.
Importing the Tijuana Model
Architect Teddy Cruz is creating new models of affordable housing using the shantytowns of Tijuana as his inspiration.
Sewers Sink Affordable Housing
Developer Amir Ziv thought he'd received all the approvals he needed for a controversial affordable housing development in Columbia, MO - but failed to count on storm water regulations.
Troubled Seattle Affordable Housing Plan May Get Rewrite
Seattle has been allowing developers to build higher buildings in exchange for contributing to a fund for affordable housing. But with few units built, officials are hoping to rewrite the legislation to remove restrictions and get more housing built.
Housing Authority 'Charging for Everything'
The Paterson Housing Authority in New Jersey will soon enact some new rules and fees, including charging $20 for every washer, dryer and large screen plasma television.
Seattle's Affordable Housing Plan Blasted For Poor Timing
The Seattle City Council recently approved a new affordable housing plan allowing builders to develop larger buildings if they include a certain amount of affordable units. But developers say the plan is ill-timed and they plan on ignoring it.
NYCHA Development Offers Benefits, Raises Concerns
The New York City Housing Authority is using a new strategy to develop new housing by selling open space. HUD oversees how the development works, but some think it does not offer a fair opportunity for community participation.
Big Box Retail Owners Ask For Stacked Housing
The two owners of a traditional 8-acre strip, big box retail center in San Francisco have asked for an amendment to the neighborhood plan (undergoing revision) to allow them to add housing on top of their stores, thus doubling the height limit.
NJ Town Bristles at Affordable Housing Requirements
'It stinks,'says Mayor John Hipp of Rutherford, New Jersey, as his town struggles to fulfill its requirements for affordable housing. The planning board has reluctantly agreed to require affordable units in a previously planned redevelopment site.
SF Affordable Housing Measure Defeated
Measure B would have allotted $30 million to lower-income residents who currently can't afford to live in San Francisco.
Container Homes Find Niche in Hawaii
Interest in houses made from shipping containers has been rising in Hawaii, where these inexpensive homes' designs can range from studios to multistory apartments.
Affordable Housing as 'Olympic Legacy'
Vancouver Olympic officials have announced that temporary Olympic housing units will be reused as permanent affordable housing after the Games.
Legislations Rewards Affordable Housing with Parks
A new piece of legislation rewards local governments in California that build affordable housing with money to build and maintain parks.
Affordable Housing That Improves the Neighborhood
Critic John King says three new housing projects in San Francisco go beyond the goal of shelter, creating fun, attractive environments.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
