J & Washington’s Post

By stopping homeless housing, abandoning renters, and pursuing bad housing policy, Los Angeles is reinforcing exclusionary zoning and segregation on the Westside.    I connect the dots -- and there a lot of them -- in my latest Substack article. You can read it here. https://lnkd.in/gh8f6niF

This initiative by Governor Gavin Newsom represents a significant step forward in addressing homelessness through innovative housing solutions. As advocates for sustainable living and community building, we are inspired by projects that align with our mission to create spaces where people can live and thrive. The construction of these tiny homes is not just about providing shelter; it's about building a future where everyone has a place to call home. However, having a home is different from merely having a shelter. If we don’t address the root issues—mental health, addiction, and the breakdown of the nuclear family—this project may not make the lasting impact we hope for. We're excited to see which companies will take the lead in this important effort and are hopeful that the focus will remain on quality, sustainability, and the well-being of the residents. It’s not enough to just build shelters; we must build communities. It's exciting to work together on building a better California.

Grants Pass, Oregon, recently faced scrutiny over its anti-camping law, leading to a Supreme Court review. With around 600 homeless people, the city’s vague zoning ordinances highlighted the urgent need for more explicit land use rules and better shelter options. Like in ABQ, planners and city officials around the country are challenged to find long-term solutions. Washington County’s approach—reducing homelessness by 35% through outreach and support services—offers a promising model. Meanwhile, cities like Denver and Atlanta are exploring "micro-communities" using shipping containers for housing. This situation underscores the need for innovative, inclusive planning that addresses the needs of all community members. #HousingSolutions #HomelessnessAwareness #InclusivePlanning https://lnkd.in/gV4xSFkA

The creation and preservation of #affordablehousing have never been more crucial🏠 Beyond the immediate and humane objective of preventing homelessness, affordable housing serves as a powerful stimulant to our economy.  When individuals are freed from the burden of exorbitant rent, they can channel their time and resources into local businesses, fostering economic growth and community resilience. Affordable housing provides a foundation that allows citizens to thrive, contributing to a more stable and prosperous society for all.  By prioritizing affordable housing, we not only safeguard the well-being of countless families but also invigorate our local economies, creating a robust and sustainable future🙌 #homelessnessawareness #homelessoutreach #homelessawareness

Two years ago, I met Ludia, who had been living in and out of shelters with her grandsons for months, unable to find an apartment where her housing voucher could be accepted. Recent research shows that nearly half of California’s homeless population is over 50 years old, and metro-specific homelessness rates are driven overwhelmingly by the scarcity of affordable housing supply. As I've urged in my online book, Congress must streamline tax credit financing of housing, and eliminate current statutory barriers to using federal vouchers in more innovative, less costly housing projects, such as the prefabricated, quick-build projects we see in Mountain View, Redwood City, and San Jose. Local communities need a more nimble federal partner to help older Americans, like Ludia, age in dignity. samliccardo.com/plan/

What is the true cost of building homes in Indiana — including the financial impact on the community? Here’s what you need to know: https://lnkd.in/giktM-zj #affordablehousing #acheivablehousing #buildindianaroots #hoosierhousing #hoosierhomeowners #housingadvocacy #housingpolicies #indianalegislature #communityhousing

Have you considered adding an ADU? Here's paragraph 7 from the article. [While several jurisdictions highlighted here have allowed more housing and succeeded in slowing rent growth, most places have not made these changes, and rents have risen. But California, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, and Utah, among other states, are taking action. As an example, reforms that Montana enacted in 2023 include allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, apartments in commercial areas, simplification of permitting, and creation of a menu of policies that cities must choose from to increase housing. Although Arizona lawmakers introduced a bill in 2023 to enable more housing, the legislation did not pass. Some of Arizona’s cities, including Tucson and Phoenix, allow construction of ADUs (also called casitas), and in September 2023, Phoenix strengthened its local law to make it easier to build ADUs. However, observers note that numerous regulatory barriers limit ADU construction in Arizona.]

Did you know? The Oakland County Regional Housing Partnership is working hard to address housing challenges in our community. This collaborative effort brings together over 30 organizations, including municipalities, developers, legal aid, and shelters. Recent highlights: - Merged with the Oakland County Blueprint to End Homelessness for a stronger, unified approach - Provided workshops on equitable zoning reform for county planners - Working to increase affordable housing and prevent homelessness These efforts are all aimed at creating a more inclusive community where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. Have ideas on how we can further improve housing in Oakland County? Share your thoughts below! #AffordableHousing #OaklandCounty #CommunityDevelopment

An important article about Columbus' outdated zoning codes, by OCCH's Jeffrey Beam. A compelling and worthwhile read!

Florida, ranking among the top three most unaffordable states for living, is grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis that mirrors a nationwide trend. Soaring housing costs and household expenses are raising concerns about potential spikes in homelessness across the state. The Pinnacle team is continuously working with our partners to create more affordable housing options for Florida residents. This crisis is showcased by the overwhelming demand for Pinnacle 441, our affordable housing development in Hollywood, where 20,000 Floridians applied to live in just 113 units in Phase I. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reports that over a third of U.S. renters are cost-burdened, underscoring the desperate need for solutions. #affordablehousing #privatepublicpartnership #realestate #CREnews #community #development #realestate #workforcehousing #neighbors #houising #southflorida #miamidade #housingnews #affordablehousingnews #workforcehousingnews #news #floridarealestate #marketratehousing #apartmentliving