Housing
Removing California's Costa-Hawkins Act and the Future of Rent Control
In an attempt to combat prohibitively high housing costs in California, some look to repeal the 1995 state law that limits the power of local rent control ordinances. However, removing those restrictions would likely exaggerate current problems.
Denver Residents Voice Aesthetic Concerns Over New Housing Developments
The Denver FUGLY Facebook page makes the case that developers are building too many boring tan and rust-colored buildings in Greater Denver.
Apartments Zoned Out of Near North Side Chicago Train Stations
Zoning around Chicago's public transit in relatively affluent areas won't allow for density or any kind of housing other than single family homes.
Relief for the High-End Renter in Portland
Portland has built many new apartments in the city's core, and that seems to be slowing down rent growth in the area.
California Pushing Out Low Income Residents
California has lost a quarter million low income residents over the last decade, in large part because of the high cost of housing.
Mixed-Income Development in Chicago's Jefferson Park Faces Protest
A development on Chicago's Northside faces protests and picketers who don't want new density, height, or low income residents.
Housing and Opportunity
In a new article and accompanying policy brief, Arthur Acolin and Susan Wachter of Penn IUR write about their new research into the relationship between housing access and opportunity.
Pasadena Urged to Purge Poison Pills from ADU Reform Ordinance
Pasadena is adopting accessory dwelling unit (ADU) reform in response to state legislation designed to spur affordable housing options by easing restrictions on ADUs. But is it really entrenchment dressed as reform?
Driving Uber, Sleeping in Parking Lots
In San Francisco, many who drive for Uber sleep in parking lots and live elsewhere to avoid sky-high rents.
Paris Officials Blame Airbnb for Shrinking City
Paris's most tourist-friendly neighborhoods are getting less dense: falling fertility rates, rising costs, and home sharing are all suspected as possible culprits.
The 'Missing Middle' Affordable Housing Solution
Karen Parolek discusses the 'Missing Middle' that is too often overlooked in discussions about affordable housing.
The Upside of the Looming Resource Crisis
The concept of the circular economy is starting to take hold on governments and business throughout the world. Peter Moskowitz discusses the various ways the concept is being translated into practical, real-world solutions.
Principles of Housing Finance Reform: The Imperative of Rebuilding the System
In a new article, Penn IUR Fellow Joseph Tracy and Penn IUR Co-Director Susan Wacther write about the imperative of rebuilding the housing finance system.
Pasadena's Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Called Out as a 'Poison Pill'
Pasadena's accessory dwelling unit is designed more to prevent than accommodate accessory dwelling units. Planner and Pasadena resident Jonathan P. Bell implores the city's Planning Commission to reform it.
Missing Out on Low Interest Rates
Wall Street Journal piece says loan regulations hurt home buyers with imperfect credit.
Top Housing Markets In 2017: Phoenix, Los Angeles, Boston
The National Association of Realtors weigh in on 2017 housing forecast.
The Top Housing Trends For 2017
An article listing the top five housing trends for 2017, as predicted by the National Association of Realtors.
Building Tiny Homes for Detroit's Homeless
Detroit plans to build 300 tiny homes on empty lots to help shelter the city's homeless.
San Francisco Board of Supervisors Propose 60-Day Hard Cap on Airbnb Rentals
Tensions between Airbnb and the city of San Francisco continue to mount as the city propose further restrictions on the service, even while the current restrictions are being challenged in court.
Chicago's Hilliard Homes Succeed Despite Trend Away From High-Rise Projects
The Hilliard Homes avoided the wrecking ball for 50 years, even while other high-rise projects were knocked down. A Chicago Reader pierce suggests the design and management of these buildings could make them a model for future High-rise projects.
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
