The city of Philadelphia launched a height and density bonus in 2018 to create incentives for the development of affordable housing, but so far the results have proven underwhelming.
"Philadelphia City Council on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill that backers hope will encourage developers to build more affordable housing units in desirable areas," reports Aaron Moselle.
The bill tweaks the city's voluntary Mixed-Income Housing Bonus program, launched in 2018, which has so far underperformed expectations. The program "allows developers to construct larger buildings than allowed under zoning regulations if they agree to build affordable housing units or contribute to the city’s Housing Trust Fund," according to Moselle. "The fund provides money for new affordable homes, as well as the preservation and repair of existing homes."
"Since launching, the program has resulted in developers building fewer than two dozen affordable housing units, with the majority of developers who got the so-called bonuses to build extra floors or floor space opting to contribute to the trust fund instead of building on site," adds Moselle.
The bill's modification to the program will allow developers allow developers of smaller projects (i.e., less than ten units) to be granted mixed-use bonuses of height and density if they build affordable housing on site.
"The measure also includes a provision designed to encourage the preservation of active commercial corridors. That provision bars developers from getting a mixed-use bonus if they are also getting a zoning variance for residential use in a ground-floor commercial space."
More details on the new ordinance and the existing program are included in the source article. A soundbite by Mo Rushdy, the treasurer of the Building Industry Association, expressing skepticism that the bill will achieve the expected benefit for affordable housing in the city, is also included.
FULL STORY: Philly passes bill that aims to encourage affordable housing in desirable neighborhoods
Early Returns on Austin's New Density Bonus Program: 2,337 Affordable Housing Units
Since late 2019, developers who deliver affordable housing units in Austin have received bonuses in height, density, parking, and other regulatory metrics, leading to a large number of new affordable housing units in the pipeline.
Transit-Oriented Housing Development Plan Falls Flat in San Francisco
The Home SF plan was supposed to usher in a wave of new housing development on transit corridors in San Francisco. Now, 2.5 years later, that promise might finally be ready to become reality.
Philadelphia Searching for New Affordable Housing Tools
Two proposed pieces of legislation would create a new revenue stream for Philadelphia's affordable housing efforts and protect tenants of existing affordable units.
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.
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
Ada County Highway District
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