The program offers zero-interest loans to developers that keep rental units affordable for at least 50 years.

Boston’s Acquisition Opportunity Program has helped protect the affordability of 1,000 rental homes five years ahead of schedule, writes Ysabelle Kempe in Smart Cities Dive.
The program assists “mission-driven” developers in purchasing housing with zero-interest loans in exchange for a commitment to maintain affordability for tenants for at least 50 years. “The developers must also set aside at least 40% of the units for low- and moderate-income families.”
Nonprofits such as the East Boston Community Development Corp. have benefited from the program, which has helped them acquire 150 units. “Now that Boston has hit its 1,000-home goal, it is setting another to help preserve over 350 more affordable housing units by the end of 2026.”
FULL STORY: Boston’s affordable housing preservation efforts are seeing results

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.

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.

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.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

Houston Mayor Promises Dedicated Austin Street Bike Lane After Public Backlash
Although the one-way bike lane won’t be protected by physical barriers, the proposal is an improvement over the mayor’s initial plan to only include sharrows on the Austin Street project.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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