Development

Housing Mix Strategy 4: Non-Market Housing

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The article discusses the urgent need for non-market housing in Canada, highlighting that 40% of Canadian households cannot afford current market rents. It emphasizes the historical shift from significant government investment in non-market housing in the 1970s to a heavy reliance on private market housing today. This shift has led to a severe shortage of affordable housing, with non-market housing now representing less than 6% of the housing stock. 

The Reasons Developers primarily build Luxury Housing

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The article “Why Are Developers Only Building Luxury Housing?” discusses the prevalent issue of luxury housing construction in many North American cities, highlighting the disconnect between the need for affordable housing and the types of developments being pursued by developers. The author, reflecting on the widespread frustration expressed by community members, emphasizes that the question of why only luxury housing is being built is complex and multifaceted.

Want to make housing more affordable? Start by designing neighbourhoods.

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The article discusses the importance of designing neighborhoods rather than just buildings to make housing more affordable. It highlights a presentation by Victor Dover at CivicCon, a speaker series aimed at enhancing civic understanding in Pensacola. Victor Dover, an expert in urban planning and sustainable development, emphasizes that affordable housing is a complex issue without a clear definition, as what is considered affordable varies by community and individual.

The Fragility of the Affordable Housing Sector

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The article discusses the challenges and potential solutions surrounding affordable housing in the United States, particularly in the context of reliance on federal funding and the need for local control. The author, a graduate student in Urban and Regional Planning, reflects on the uncertainty surrounding the future of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its impact on affordable housing initiatives.

The Role of Localism in exacerbating the Housing Crisis

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The article “Housing affordability? Localism is the problem, not the solution” by Joe Cortright discusses the ongoing housing crisis in the United States and critiques the concept of localism in land use planning as a significant contributor to the problem. Bruce Katz, the author of “The New Localism,” has called for a national commission to address housing affordability, which Cortright acknowledges as a necessary discussion but argues that localism is a major barrier to finding effective solutions.

The Importance of Process in Urban Development

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The article “Legalizing More Homes: It Matters How You Do It” discusses the urgent housing affordability crisis in many American cities and emphasizes the importance of process over mere numbers in addressing this issue. It highlights that while quantitative goals, such as the need for millions of new housing units in various cities, can rally support for housing reforms, they can also lead to oversimplification and a focus on outcomes at the expense of understanding the complexities of urban development.

How do we define affordable housing?

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The article discusses the concept of affordable housing, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities associated with housing unaffordability in attractive and economically successful communities. It highlights that many households spend more on housing and transportation than is considered affordable, which can hinder inclusivity and economic opportunity.

The Impact of Regulations on Housing Availability

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The article discusses the issue of housing unaffordability in the United States, particularly in urban areas like New York City and San Francisco, where the cost of living has skyrocketed. It differentiates between affordable housing, which can include options for middle and upper-middle-class individuals, and low-income housing. The author highlights that to afford a $3,000 monthly rent, an individual would need an annual income of $108,000, significantly above the national average household income of $53,657 in 2014. This disparity indicates a serious affordable housing problem.

The Need for more Substantial Funding for Affordable Housing

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The article discusses the growing problem of housing affordability in many U.S. cities, where rents are increasing faster than incomes, particularly affecting low- and moderate-income households. One common policy response to this issue is inclusionary zoning, which mandates that developers set aside a portion of new housing units (typically 10 to 20 percent) for affordable housing. This approach is often perceived as beneficial since it does not directly cost taxpayers, but it has significant drawbacks.