After dropping to a three-year low, U.S. rent costs grew in many major cities.

Average U.S. rents rose between December and January after six months of decreases, driven in part by strong demand and low supply in some cities.
According to an article by Mary Salmonsen in Smart Cities Dive, “Metros in the Northwest and Midwest are still leading the nation in rent growth, and New York City remains at the top with 5.4% growth YOY. Austin still had the sharpest YOY rent decline at -5.4%, followed by Raleigh at -3.5%.” National rents recently hit a three-year low, but remain unaffordable for many households. Austin, which bucks the trend, has seen a decline in rent costs for 19 straight months, thanks in part to the city’s recent zoning reform efforts that encouraged a building boom.
Salmonsen adds, “High mortgage rates and a low supply of for-sale homes on the market are also contributing to apartment retention rates. However, these same high interest rates may continue to pose challenges for property transactions in the next year.”
FULL STORY: After 6 months of decline, average rents rise again

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

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?

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health
A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.

Report Outlines Strategies for Resilient Wildfire Recovery in LA
Project Recovery offers a roadmap for rebuilding more sustainable and climate-resilient communities after wildfires and other disasters.

New Executive Order Renews Attack on Public Lands
An order issued late last week pushes for increased mineral extraction on federally owned public lands.
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