A pair of bills coming before Congress would impact the ability of states to finance affordable housing construction and preservation.
In a commentary piece in Route Fifty, Andrea Bell, executive director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, urges the quick passage of a proposed federal tax bill that would increase the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit by 12.5% and reduce the Private Activity Bond financing threshold.
According to Bell, the proposal would allow states like Oregon to finance more affordable housing construction. “The longer the current projects are delayed, the more they will be impacted by market forces that increase the cost of both up-front development and long-term operations.”
Bell claims that if the bill passes this year, Oregon could potentially double its affordable housing production. “In addition to supporting more construction,” Bell writes, “the Housing Credit is essential for taking care of existing housing stock. Preserving the conditions and livability of the affordable housing we invest in is how we take care of our community and steward a healthy economy.”
FULL STORY: Commentary: Federal tax bill: What it could mean for affordable housing
Proposed Changes to LIHTC Approved by US House
If passed by the Senate, it would represent the most significant reform to the LIHTC in decades. Some say it’s still not enough.
How to Improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
With the housing shortage only getting worse, updates to a key federal program could help.
Bipartisan Congressional Group Introduces Affordable Housing Bill
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are supporting a bill that would increase the number of federal affordable housing credits available and streamline the development process for affordable housing projects.
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.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
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.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
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