Poor households in Philadelphia are spending nearly much on housing as wealthy residents. And while costs for the wealthy are going down, costs for the poor continue to rise.
New research in the Philadelphia region finds that housing costs are increasing for low-income residents while decreasing for those with higher incomes, such that households that make less money aren't spending substantially less on housing.
Both a lack of affordable housing and growing income inequality are driving this trend, researchers at real-estate firm Apartment Life found.
In 2008, the region's wealthiest residents earned more than 12 times its poorest, Aaron Moselle reports in Plan Philly; in 2017, it was 17 times. Moreover, between 2007 and 2018, housing costs grew by 8 percent for households earning less than the national median income—but not at all for households earning more, as prices dropped in Philly's luxury apartment market.
FULL STORY: Philly housing costs rising faster for poor and middle class than for the wealthy
When Rents Rise But Wages Don't
Renters in smaller metropolitan areas are struggling to deal with the realities of rising rent and stagnant wages. At least wages have increased in high-priced areas.
Housing Not Keeping Pace With Employment in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities provide a case study for the role of the housing market in regional employment markets.
Half of US Tenants Are ‘Rent Burdened’
High housing costs are squeezing a record number of American households.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Understanding Road Diets
An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.
New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution
A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
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