Decades of increasing costs and deferred maintenance could lead to people losing their homes unless changes are made.
As aging infrastructure and soaring maintenance costs threaten the nation's condominium stock, a new Shelterforce article examines how this crucial affordable housing option is at risk. The author explains how condo ownership, a crucial affordable housing option is at risk. The analysis reveals that condo ownership — which provides a vital pathway to homeownership for first-time buyers, communities of color, and seniors — faces mounting challenges:
- Monthly fees have increased 60 percent in some markets
- 37 percent of condo owners are now housing cost-burdened
- Only 12 states require associations to maintain reserve funds
- Post-Surfside regulations are destabilizing some markets
The article explores divergent state responses, from Florida's market-disrupting reforms to New Jersey's phased approach, and outlines 11 policy solutions for preserving this affordable housing stock. Key recommendations include mandating reserve studies, providing low-interest repair loans, and implementing foreclosure protections.
Read Karen Black's full analysis in Shelterforce.
FULL STORY: Condos—a Key Source of Affordable Housing for Homeowners—Are in Jeopardy
Louisville Launches ‘Anti-Displacement Tool’
After a years-long, tenant-led effort, Louisville will use a new tool to analyze whether a proposed housing development can meet a neighborhood’s housing needs and income levels. If it doesn’t, the city won’t subsidize it.
Inequality Grows in Western Zoom Towns
As demand for housing grows, small Western towns are experiencing skyrocketing housing costs and rising displacement.
Distinguishing the Housing Shortage from Gentrification
Gentrification "mutates particular neighborhoods" while scarce housing "squeezes entire regions," Devin Michelle Bunten writes. Conflating the two can lead to inaccuracies in understanding.
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.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
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