A state constitutional amendment from the 1950s has been used to hold back public housing, but voters could have a chance to strike it down later this year.
A California constitutional amendment, a barrier to the development of public housing, could be up for repeal. The amendment dates back to 1950, the result of backlash against the federal Housing Act of 1949, writes Louis Hansen.
"Californians added Article 34 to the state’s constitution to make it easier to derail public housing projects and preserve segregated neighborhoods, according to the bill’s authors. The article requires voters in a city or county to approve most publicly-funded, affordable housing developments," says Hansen.
While some municipalities have found workarounds to the referendum requirements, the legislation has made it more challenging to get projects off the ground, particularly in rural areas and communities with high poverty levels, adds Hansen. "Louis Mirante, legislative director for California YIMBY, said Article 34 originally targeted public housing but has stifled other types of subsidized, affordable housing development."
California voters have had the opportunity to repeal the amendment three times in the past but have voted it down. If this measure passes in the state assembly, it will appear on the ballot in November.
FULL STORY: A vestige of segregation that could go before California voters next year
California Cities Continue Fight Against State Preemption
Lafayette City Council Member Susan Candell penned an op-ed in support of a lawsuit to invalidate Senate Bill 9 by four Southern California cities, highlighting a recent supportive court filing by UCLA economic geographer Michael Storper.
How Atlanta Built 7,000 Housing Units in 3 Years
The city’s comprehensive, neighborhood-focused housing strategy focuses on identifying properties and land that can be repurposed for housing and encouraging development in underserved neighborhoods.
Museum of Public Housing Opens in Chicago
The museum highlights the history of public housing in the United States using displays intimately woven with family artifacts.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility
The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio
Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
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
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service