Housing
How tech sped up Honolulu’s housing permits
Using automation to pre-screen applications has brought the pre-check process down to a matter of days, while AI helps reviewers check code compliance in a more streamlined way.
California city turns to AI to meet housing goals
By automating parts of the housing permitting process, officials in the city of Corona hope to reduce administrative burdens for staff and encourage development among consumers.
Why is it so hard to collect local rental data?
Rental registries, a database of leased-out addresses and their owners, are one solution. But resistance from landlords who may fear competition in a tight housing market could prevent their adoption.
Cities lead bans on algorithmic rent hikes as states lag behind
Minneapolis is the latest city to crack down. State legislative efforts have moved slowly.
States’ housing assistance sites get a ‘human-centered’ makeover
Based on feedback from homeless shelter residents, federal officials have worked to improve housing webpages for all 50 states over the past year. The site updates launched late last month.
Could 3D-printed housing help address Oklahoma’s affordable housing crisis? A lawmaker thinks so
A state lawmaker wants to use the same technology that is being considered for use on Mars to help tackle Oklahoma’s affordable housing crisis.
Landlords are using AI to raise rents — and cities are starting to push back
Federal prosecutors have accused software company RealPage of enriching itself "at the expense of renters who pay inflated prices."
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
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.
