The Regional Plan Association announced its support for a pair of efforts to create funding and development requirements for affordable housing.
Mark Lohbauer writes about efforts in the state of New Jersey to mitigate the housing affordability challenges in the New York region.
According to Lohbauer, the city of Newark is in the process of approving an inclusionary zoning ordinance that mandates "20% of new residential development as affordable, available to families earning 50% or less of the city’s median income."
"For the first time in years, Newark is experiencing substantial commercial and residential growth—including luxury residences that are driving up overall values—and the inclusionary zoning ordinance could not be timelier," according to Lohbauer.
Lohbauer is writing on behalf of the Regional Plan Association (RPA), which supported the initiative after its original advocacy by the Ironbound Community Corporation. The Housing and Community Development of New Jersey (HCDNNJ) also supports the inclusionary zoning initiative.
As noted by Lohbauer, HCDNNJ is also advocating for its "Build a Thriving New Jersey" program, which "proposes that the State dedicate an allotment of $600 million/year in order to subsidize the construction of affordable homes, and it identifies existing revenue sources that the State could tap in order to raise that money."
FULL STORY: Solving the Affordability Crisis in Newark
Ensuring Newark's Revival Doesn't Make it the Next Brooklyn
New Jersey's largest city is celebrating a downtown revival, but city leaders want to ensure that Newark avoids the displacement that often accompanies revitalization.
Gateway Tunnel Project Ready to Move Forward
The project is primarily funded through federal agencies and will improve a key link between New Jersey and New York City.
Newark Kicks Off $1 Home Sale Program
The city sold seven properties as part of an effort to revive blighted sites and encourage housing production.
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