New rules will require more affordable housing in affluent areas, but also allow more exceptions.
Montgomery County has made the first major changes in years to its Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) program, which requires large developments to include affordable and workforce units. Since 1974, the program has created more than 5,400 MPDUs, according to Bethesda Magazine. But the affordability crisis has grown rapidly nationwide, and the program hasn't been revised or updated in more than a decade.
Now, county councilmembers have unanimously approved two bills that could substantially alter the MPDU program's impacts. The first, aiming to promote economic integration, raises the inclusionary requirement in certain affluent parts of the county from 12.5 to 15 percent.
At the same time, another bill makes it easier for developers to avoid the requirement altogether by paying an in-lieu fee, locating affordable units nearby instead of onsite, or coming to another arrangement with the county housing department. The same bill also requires developers of small-to-medium projects to pay into the county's Housing Initiative Fund. See Bethany Rodgers' coverage in Bethesda Magazine for more analysis.
FULL STORY: County’s Affordable Housing Program Is Getting Its First Major Update in More Than a Decade
Inclusionary Zoning to Fund Workforce Housing, But for Hotel Developments
A new law in Portland, Maine could be the first to charge an affordable housing fee from new hotel developments.
Assessing Feasibility Studies for Inclusionary Zoning
Cities use the studies to inform decisions about inclusionary housing programs. But a closer look shows that there is great variation in the methods and metrics, with no one correct approach for every situation.
How San Francisco Ran Out of Affordable Housing Funds, and What to Do About It
Analysis and policy recommendations from Bay Area-based think tank SPUR focuses on how poorly designed inclusionary zoning the exact opposite of the desired effect.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service