Decades of increasing costs and deferred maintenance could lead to people losing their homes unless changes are made.
As aging infrastructure and soaring maintenance costs threaten the nation's condominium stock, a new Shelterforce article examines how this crucial affordable housing option is at risk. The author explains how condo ownership, a crucial affordable housing option is at risk. The analysis reveals that condo ownership — which provides a vital pathway to homeownership for first-time buyers, communities of color, and seniors — faces mounting challenges:
- Monthly fees have increased 60 percent in some markets
- 37 percent of condo owners are now housing cost-burdened
- Only 12 states require associations to maintain reserve funds
- Post-Surfside regulations are destabilizing some markets
The article explores divergent state responses, from Florida's market-disrupting reforms to New Jersey's phased approach, and outlines 11 policy solutions for preserving this affordable housing stock. Key recommendations include mandating reserve studies, providing low-interest repair loans, and implementing foreclosure protections.
Read Karen Black's full analysis in Shelterforce.
FULL STORY: Condos—a Key Source of Affordable Housing for Homeowners—Are in Jeopardy
Inequality Grows in Western Zoom Towns
As demand for housing grows, small Western towns are experiencing skyrocketing housing costs and rising displacement.
Distinguishing the Housing Shortage from Gentrification
Gentrification "mutates particular neighborhoods" while scarce housing "squeezes entire regions," Devin Michelle Bunten writes. Conflating the two can lead to inaccuracies in understanding.
Toward a More Useful, and Accurate, Definition of Gentrification
Recent studies have called into question the predominant narratives on gentrification. A more precise definition of the term as it works in the United States is required.
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.
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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