Mayors from around the country agree that more support is needed at the federal level to strengthen housing assistance programs.
A survey from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reflects the grim realities of the housing crisis, with data showing that nearly 7 in 10 Americans worry about their day-to-day housing costs. “The message from mayors is clear—the housing crisis is severe, widespread, and worsening.”
According to the USCM, “In the past three years, the median monthly rental price has increased by 18% and the median purchase price for housing has increased by 21%.” The National Housing Survey found that the housing shortage is expected to grow by more than 2 million units in the next five years. Many mayors indicated their cities are in the process of reforming zoning and land use regulations to encourage more housing production. “Nearly all mayors recognized the critical importance of offering diverse options, including missing middle and infill housing, to meet the unique needs of different individuals and families.”
Among mayors surveyed, “Nearly 90% called on Congress to build on existing federal programs: the low-income housing credit, housing vouchers, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and HOME program.”
FULL STORY: ICYMI: National Survey Reveals Worsening Housing Crisis
DC Residents Want Affordability Over ‘Character’
A poll finds that most residents want to see changes in zoning and land use laws that unlock more housing construction in the District and improve affordability.
New Jersey Calls for 85,000 New Housing Units
A state law known as the Mount Laurel Doctrine mandates that each jurisdiction accommodate enough new housing units to meet the local demand for affordable housing.
Can Zoning Reform Save Pittsburgh’s Affordable Housing?
With home sale prices growing faster than anywhere in the country, the Steel City could enact major reforms to boost density and lower housing costs.
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?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
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.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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