With its economy humming and housing prices rising, the city of Austin has joined other U.S. cities in looking for affordable housing solutions.
"The 14-member group of developers, housing advocates and neighborhood leaders has four months to recommend incentives the city should offer developers, such as height bonuses or waived fees, to encourage them to build more affordable units. Several cities, including Chicago, Denver and Seattle, have affordability incentives or requirements."
"Critics say (Austin) has lacked a broader, more aggressive approach despite the $55 million earmarked for affordable housing in November's bond vote. The task force effort evolved after city leaders realized that, though developers increasingly asked for extra height and density on downtown projects, Austin had no program to ask for affordable units in return."
FULL STORY: City-appointed group's goal: More affordable housing
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A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure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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