A key federal housing assistance program is in peril, Maui tries to balance housing affordability with its tourism-based economy, and a landmark Virginia law could set a new standard for road safety.
Last week, the Trump administration continued its effort to dismantle key federal initiatives, including the federal housing voucher program and the Public Lands Rule. Experts warn that Maui’s attempt to alleviate the housing crisis by banning short-term rentals could devastate the county’s economy, and a history lesson from San Francisco offers insights for today’s housing crisis. In Texas, churches rally behind zoning reform legislation while state lawmakers seek to ban cities from building new bike lanes. And an argument for why we should fund public transit.
The full list of April’s most-read stories:
1. Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
The historic settlement mandated improvements to wastewater systems in poor communities that have experienced severe impacts from pollution.
Maui’s plan to eliminate short-term rentals to create more housing for locals could backfire with catastrophic effects for the tourism-dependent economy.
3. Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
The administration is considering massive cuts to the Section 8 housing voucher program and other federal housing assistance programs, claiming they can be more effectively replaced with state-run programs.
4. The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
Over a century ago, San Francisco deployed a quick-build solution to provide housing for thousands during one of the city’s worst crises. Could it be a blueprint for the future?
5. Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Todd Litman offers eight reasons why subsidizing public transit is an economically, ethically, and environmentally sound decision.
6. Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Faith-based organizations are calling for zoning reform that could unlock thousands of new housing units and let churches make underutilized properties more productive.
7. BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The Trump administration has taken aggressive steps to roll back conservation efforts and open up public lands to mining, lumber, and other industries.
8. Virginia Law Allows Judges to Mandate Speed Limiters
Judges will be allowed to require speed limiting technology for drivers convicted of driving over 100 miles per hour.
9. Texas Bill Would Ban Road Diets, Congestion Pricing
If passed, the bill would prohibit any new bike lanes or other infrastructure that requires narrowing traffic lanes.
10. ‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
A Minnesota state program offers housing assistance to Indigenous people, who, despite making up only 2 percent of the state’s population, make up 20 percent of the unhoused population.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
$5 Billion Rental Assistance Fund Set to Run Out of Cash
“No additional funding from HUD will be forthcoming,” HUD announces.
Fair Housing Funding Cuts Open Door to Discrimination, Advocates Say
Federal cuts to grants for fair housing advocacy organizations could lead to ‘widespread’ housing discrimination as enforcement resources are reduced.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
