The program directs federal funding to the redevelopment of vacant properties as part of the city’s efforts to create more affordable housing units.

Indianapolis will use $4.5 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to fund the redevelopment of vacant properties in the city’s land bank portfolio, reports Jill Sheridan for WFYI. The program, dubbed Vacant to Vibrant, is part of an effort to end the cycle of disinvestment and prevent displacement in the city’s rapidly changing neighborhoods and a $50 million investment of ARPA funds in housing initiatives.
According to Sheridan, “Community development corporations, nonprofits and others may apply for projects that include affordable single-family homeownership or rental opportunities.” City officials estimate around 100 properties are currently eligible for the program.
Resulting housing units will be available to families making 80 percent or less of the area median income (AMI).
FULL STORY: Vacant to Vibrant program announced to create affordable housing

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.

Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street
If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.

Parklet Symposium Highlights the Success of Shared Spaces
Parklets got a boost during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the concept was translated to outdoor dining programs that offered restaurants a lifeline during the shutdown.

Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
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