Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing in a Tough Market

Ann Arbor, Michigan bought a former YMCA building to serve as affordable housing. Four years later, it sits empty, a piece of the difficult housing puzzle. 'Given the environment now, it would be tough,' says one planner about the site.

October 14, 2008 - Mlive.com

Affordable Housing Hits Resort Town

A new master-planned development in Whistler blends housing types, keeping in mind its local workers, full-time residents, and seniors. Most notably, however, it provides much needed affordable housing options.

October 9, 2008 - The Vancouver Sun

Why Affordability Matters

In this article, Erick Villagomez argues that affordable housing, by enabling urban diversity, is the key to a city's economic and social sustainability.

October 3, 2008 - re:place Magazine

Fight Over Affordable Housing on the Vineyard

A small businessman on Martha's Vineyard is attempting to build affordable housing for his workers on the island, but neighbors aren't pleased. 'I don't want to feel like I'm in the city,' says one.

October 1, 2008 - Boston Globe

Possible $349 Millon Cut from Affordable Housing in CA

Proposals from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative Republicans to close the state's $15 billion budget deficit would to take away hundreds of millions of dollars from local redevelopment agencies.

September 11, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

The 250 Sq. Ft. Condo

Technically these are SROs- Single Room Occupancy units, but it's a spanking new building, cafe below, in the vibrant SoMa district, starting at only $279,000. The catch: some units are only 250 sq.ft.

August 25, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Hidden Housing: People Are Creating Their Own Idiosyncratic Solutions

Vancouver Magazine takes a look at the many ways people create their own housing solutions outside the norm, from mortgage sharing to garage renovations to illegal units.

August 19, 2008 - Vancouver Magazine

Affordable Housing Gets Sexier

In Boston, architecture firm Utile and non-profit developer Urban Edge bring a new, stylish look to affordable housing.

August 5, 2008 - The Boston Globe

Builder Says Inclusionary Zoning Doesn't Work

In this op-ed, a builders association representative argues that proposals for inclusionary zoning laws in Minnesota that require a certain percentage of affordable housing do not achieve the goals they aim for.

August 4, 2008 - The Pioneer Press

Affordable Housing Relief Coming to Southern California

In the same week that Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, Los Angeles announcemed the New Generation Fund, a $100 million program for affordable housing.

August 1, 2008 - The Planning Report

Does HUD Need To Be Modernized?

Professor Sudhir Venkatesh of Columbia believe it is time for HUD to be replaced by a more nimble agency capable of responding to the 21st century city.

July 27, 2008 - The New York Times

Neighbors Complain Plan is 'Too Urban'

Residents of Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood are complaining about plans to redevelop nearby Fort Lawton which includes housing for seniors and homeless.

July 22, 2008 - The Seattle Times

County Plans to End Homelessness in 10 Years

Nassau County, NY has released a plan to end homelessness using strategies such as developing a database to track homeless people, assist people at risk for homelessness with landlord/mortgage issues, and build significant new affordable housing.

July 19, 2008 - Newsday

Nearly 200 New Jersey Mayors Oppose Affordable Housing Rules

Almost 200 New Jersey mayors have joined together to oppose new affordable housing requirements that they say their cities can't possibly comply with.

July 17, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

A Public Housing Experiment Faces Problems

The Chicago Tribune examines what became of an ambitious city project, led by Mayor Daley, to revolutionize public housing. Private developers received public funding to tear down old projects and replace them with mixed-use neighborhoods.

July 9, 2008 - The Chicago Tribune

Foreclosed Properties Eyed As Affordable Housing Stock

In a move to combat the growing numbers of foreclosed homes and provide affordable housing, Fairfax County, Virginia, has announced plans to buy up foreclosed properties to augment the county's supply of affordable homes.

July 5, 2008 - The Washington Post

Lego Living: Shipping Containers Become Affordable Housing

A developer in New Jersey is looking to shipping containers as building blocks for affordable housing.

June 24, 2008 - Courier-Post

San FranYuppyland?

San Francisco's rapid loss of low and middle-income residents is taking a toll on the city's social fabric.

June 23, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Vermont Passes Smart Growth, Affordable Housing Bill

The Vermont legislature passed a bill that encourages residential construction in village and town centers by offering tax credits and reducing permitting requirements. 20% of the homes and rental units must be affordable.

June 3, 2008 - Barre Montpelier Times Argus Online

Students Bring Neighborhood's Plans to Life

Students in Ohio State University's City and Regional Planning department worked closely with the Franklinton neighborhood in Columbus to create a new vision for the community.

June 1, 2008 - Columbus Alive

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