The proposed Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act would trade development fees for zoning relief.

"State Rep. Steve Elkins, DFL–Bloomington, announced his Comprehensive Housing Affordability Act to reform zoning laws preventing affordable construction statewide," reports Scott McClallen.
"The bill aims to let cities assess development impact fees and street improvement districts in exchange for removing certain zoning and regulatory burdens," according to McClallen.
Elkins cited a recent StarTribune exposé on exclusionary housing practices in the Twin Cities to justify the changes proposed by the law in a statement quoted in the article. Elkin also explained that the bill is designed to provide new revenue for cities to fund the infrastructure to support new development and to remove obstacles preventing developers from building an "adequate supply of new homes and apartments affordable to young families."
As proposed, the law builds on zoning reform momentum around the state, following shortly after the St. Paul City Council voted to remove parking minimums citywide and several years after the city of Minneapolis adopted the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which led the city to allow multi-family dwellings up to three-plexes on residential properties citywide.
FULL STORY: Minnesota lawmakers look to create more affordable housing

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.

Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport