Housing
LA’s push for modernization looks to spur housing development, reduce agency costs
A centralized portal for permitting services, experts say, will help the city streamline the application and approval process and could set the stage for other municipalities to follow.
How one policymaker is dabbling as a social influencer
A New York City council member is turning to social media and short-form videos to interact with residents.
Can AI help government prevent homelessness?
A predictive model is helping Los Angeles authorities link people at risk of homelessness to assistive services to keep them housed.
Charm City bets on blockchain to reduce vacant properties
Baltimore officials are leveraging blockchain to streamline property title recordation to make real estate transactions more efficient.
How tougher regulations on short-term rentals can boost revenue for state, local govs
Some short-term rental properties go undetected by authorities, but a new report offers tips on how officials can crack down on unregulated rental units to boost revenue and reduce their negative impacts on communities.
In Las Vegas, a political dynasty nears its end. Who will replace it?
It’s the first time since 1995 that Sin City voters can’t select a Goodman for mayor. Instead, voters will choose between two politicos in a contentious race for the top job.
How renters often get left behind in disaster recovery
Renters with tight budgets face unique struggles in recovering from natural disasters. Few localities and states have targeted plans to help them beyond the first few months of recovery.
Survey: Americans think cities can't arrest their way out of the homelessness crisis
Supportive services and more government action is needed to reduce and prevent homelessness, according to a recent public opinion poll.
Can parking garages alleviate the housing and homelessness crisis?
COMMENTARY | There are hundreds of underutilized—sometimes empty—parking garages and lots across the country. They can be converted to much-needed housing.
For Floridians in mobile homes, Hurricane Helene was a disaster waiting to happen
Trailers and manufactured homes have long served as a lifeline for struggling families. A warming world has made them a perilous place to live.
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California’s rent control ballot measure could reverberate across the US
Proposition 33 would allow cities to limit rent increases. Some economists doubt that’s a good idea.
Democrats cast doubt on whether the ‘Montana Miracle’ is making housing affordable
Gov. Greg Gianforte spearheaded a bipartisan and widely applauded effort to make it easier to build homes, but his Democratic opponent says housing shortages and high property taxes are still hammering Montana residents.
Climate impacts put insurance commissioner races in the spotlight
As premiums skyrocket, voters are starting to pay attention to one of the most obscure positions on the ballot.
Hungry for affordable housing, communities turn to land trusts
The old-school approach is garnering renewed interest amid a nationwide housing crisis. The model promises permanently affordable housing.
Rent is eating up a greater share of tenants’ income in almost every state
Arizona and Nevada had the biggest spikes in renters paying 30% or more of their income on housing from 2019 to 2023.
Housing The YIMBY push for multifamily housing hits a ‘nope’ from homeowners
The multifamily, 'yes-in-my-backyard' movement is already stumbling.
The nation’s last refuge for affordable homes is in Northeast Ohio
There are no states left where everybody could afford to buy a home.
Can Bozeman provide affordable housing and preserve its small-town past?
As Montana cities face an affordability crisis, some state policies limit what local governments can do to support affordable housing.
South Carolina Is considered a model for ‘managed retreat’ from coastal areas threatened by climate change
The state has identified hundreds of thousands of homes that will need to be abandoned. But at one flagship buyout, only one in 10 eligible homeowners signed up.
Homelessness can’t be cut big-time? Don’t tell Sacramento.
COMMENTARY | Since 2022, overall homelessness in the city and county has decreased by more than a quarter. Officials credit intergovernmental collaboration and commitment.
