By a vote split (nearly) down the party line, the Oregon House passed a bill to end state restrictions on inclusionary zoning. Municipalities may soon be able to require below-market pricing.
In a victory for affordable housing in Oregon, the state House of Representatives passed a bill to allow a certain degree of inclusionary zoning. These rules would require "developers in certain areas to offer some housing units at below-market prices, usually to people with middle or low incomes."
To placate legislators concerned about backlash from the development industry, "the bill likely to pass the House today will do so thanks to an amendment brokered by [House Speaker] Kotek that would set a maximum of 30 percent below-market units per project, or the equivalent."
Equity advocates "say it's a needed tool for preserving income diversity in high-demand neighborhoods like central Portland. Opponents, led by the state's homebuilders' association, say private developers shouldn't bear the costs of keeping neighborhoods income-diverse."
Predictions that the decision would be split along party lines were just about valid: "The bill did indeed pass the house, 34-25, on a nearly party-line vote. Brian Clem (D-Salem) voted against the bill."
FULL STORY: Oregon House likely to pass bill to preserve income-diverse neighborhoods
Portland's Inclusionary Zoning Effect Measured, Criticized
It's been over four years since the city of Portland implemented an inclusionary zoning policy that required all new apartment developments to set aside a portion of units for low- and moderate-income housing.
Detroit Tax Abatement Will Keep Senior Renters in Upscale Building
The city worked with the owners of an apartment building to maintain lower rents so longtime residents would not be displaced after renovations.
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.
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