A rash of building demolitions has erased more than 700 units of affordable housing in the Washington D.C. area, but replacement buildings have not been constructed.
"The former Marlaine apartment building on North Pierce Street in North Arlington is an unsightly dirt lot surrounded by a chain-link fence. It's one of at least six Washington area buildings seemingly marooned by housing economics and changing times, representing more than 700 low-cost apartment units that have gone missing from the market during the recent real estate slump."
"Former tenants, neighbors and housing activists say it is a shame that these places were destroyed or left vacant when the need for affordable housing is so acute."
"Real estate industry executives say the market slowdown, coming after several years of an intense boom, is to blame for properties left dangling in limbo. More than two dozen proposed condominium projects have been canceled in the past year, according to Alexandria-based real estate information firm Delta Associates, because the market for high-end units has fizzled and investor-purchasers have vanished."
FULL STORY: Low-Cost Housing Eliminated, But Nothing Built in Its Place

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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