housing affordability

Study: Housing Crisis Stems from Inequality (Not Zoning)
A new paper examines the impacts of broad economic trends—like inequality, job markets, and migration—on housing markets in the nation's major metropolitan areas.

'Renter-First Housing Policy' Adopted by the Minneapolis City Council
The city of Minneapolis is taking positive steps to improve housing security for renters.

Connecting the Issues of Flooding and Affordable Housing in Texas
A study released this week by the Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium ( the University of Houston, the Kinder Institute, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and more) raises concerns that new floodplain regulations could harm renters.

More States Look to Expand Tenant Protections
Cities and states around the country are reconsidering decades-old bans on rent control.

Home Builders Aren't Building the Smaller Homes the Market Wants
It's time to get demand and supply on the same page, according to this report.

Report: No City or State in the U.S. Has Enough Housing for Low-Income Residents
"The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Rental Homes" illustrates the depth of the nation's rental housing affordability crisis.

Homeownership in Reach for More Renters
According to the Urban Institute's Housing Affordability for Renters Index, the number of renters who can afford to buy a home in their metropolitan area is generally increasing when compared to the housing bubble of the mid-2000s.

Rent Prices Spike in Canada
The largest price jump in 30 years hit the rental market in Canada at the beginning of the year.

How Anti-Rent Gouging Policies Differ From Rent Control
California could consider an anti-rent gouging bill, a policy with key distinctions from rent control that also inform a more complete understanding of Oregon's recently approved statewide tenant protections bill.

Accessory Dwelling Units Find Public Support in Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma, Washington, a city of over 200,000 residents in the Pacific Northwest, is making room for more.

The Most and Least Expensive TOD in Toronto
A new study maps out affordability and inequality across Toronto's transit network.

Can Upzoning Increase Housing Supply and Affordability?
Increasing allowable densities and reducing parking requirements are important strategies for achieving long-term planning goals, but to succeed they must be applied to large areas.

Legislation Would Loosen Zoning for TOD and ADUs, Require Housing Plans From Cities in Utah
State preemption, in the form major zoning reforms and mandates for local housing targets, are on the table in the Utah Legislature this year.

Thresholds of Rent Affordability Trigger Homelessness
New research reveals details of when and where rising rents trigger homelessness.

Suburbs Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units
Renton, a suburb of Seattle dealing with skyrocketing housing prices like many of the communities in the region, is allowing new density in residential neighborhoods in the form of backyard cottages.

An Argument for a Graduated Real Estate Transfer Tax in Chicago
As it exists today, Chicago's real estate transfer tax is a flat tax that charges the same percentage for modest homes and mansions.

Veteran Homelessness on the Rise Again in Expensive Cities
The news about veteran homelessness rising in expensive cities might come as a surprise, after years of reported progress.

Rent Control Rejected in California, But the Debate Is Far From Over
An opinion piece in CityLab reiterates the body of research showing evidence that rent control is not an effective tool in reducing housing costs.

Seeking Mixed-Income Housing Developers in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina is concerned about the lack of affordable housing in its city, potentially making it difficult for fire fighters, teachers, and more to afford to live in the community.

Rental Demand Grows as Rental Supply Drops
Increasing numbers of renters, at all income levels, and in all U.S. metropolitan areas, are competing for a dwindling supply of rental units, according to a new analysis.
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