Poor households in Philadelphia are spending nearly much on housing as wealthy residents. And while costs for the wealthy are going down, costs for the poor continue to rise.

New research in the Philadelphia region finds that housing costs are increasing for low-income residents while decreasing for those with higher incomes, such that households that make less money aren't spending substantially less on housing.
Both a lack of affordable housing and growing income inequality are driving this trend, researchers at real-estate firm Apartment Life found.
In 2008, the region's wealthiest residents earned more than 12 times its poorest, Aaron Moselle reports in Plan Philly; in 2017, it was 17 times. Moreover, between 2007 and 2018, housing costs grew by 8 percent for households earning less than the national median income—but not at all for households earning more, as prices dropped in Philly's luxury apartment market.
FULL STORY: Philly housing costs rising faster for poor and middle class than for the wealthy

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.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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