Housing – NewDEAL

Hawaii Senator Stanley Change Introduced Bill, Requiring Counties to Allow ADUs on all Urban Residential Zoned Lots

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:04:31 +0000

Hawaii: Senator Stanley Chang introduced Senate Bill 3202, which requires Hawaii’s four counties to adopt or amend ordinances by Dec. 31, 2026, to allow for at least two accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, on all urban residential-zoned lots. The law addresses the state’s lack of affordable housing for working-class families.

A report by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization published last week found that 56% of households in the state were “rent-burdened,” or spent more than 30% of their income on rent, last year. More than a quarter of households have spent more than half their income on rent.

Boise Mayor Lauren McLean Announced $7.5M Fund Focused on Supportive Housing: Pairing Shelter With Mental Health Care and Substance Use Treatment

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:53:34 +0000

Idaho: Boise Mayor Lauren McLean announced a $7.5 million fund focused on “supportive housing,” an approach to ending homelessness that pairs a place to live with other services like mental health care and substance use treatment. “It’s a proven model,” she said, “one that provides a real path into the future for our most vulnerable residents. Because in a city for everyone, everyone is valuable, and we don’t give up on people.”

Senator Josh Becker Authored the Interim Housing Act, Fast-Tracking the Building of Supportive and Adequate Housing

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:04:00 +0000

CALIFORNIA: Menlo Park, California Senator Josh Becker authored the Interim Housing Act, recently passed unanimously in the California Senate. To address a record number of Californians experiencing homelessness, Senator Becker’s bill helps fast-track the building of supportive and adequate housing, bringing more people indoors and saving lives. The Act clarifies that relocatable, non-congregate interim housing is eligible for streamlined zoning, thus reducing construction time and costs. It empowers local governments who want to build interim housing by cutting red tape and expediting approvals.

“Interim housing is the missing rung on the ladder to permanent housing. The Interim Housing Act takes a proven local housing strategy and makes it available statewide,” Becker said.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor Championed Plan to Build Nearly 600 Housing Units

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 19:38:39 +0000

Michigan: Lansing Mayor Andy Schor championed a plan to build nearly 600 housing units in downtown Lansing, providing more units of mixed-income, multi-family, and dense housing to bridge the housing shortage. The project plans to use $300 million in funds across five sites that are being revamped for residential and commercial space. Lansing City Council will review and cast a final passage vote for the proposal.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall Launched a New Tenant Resoure Center to Support Renters and Prevent Displacement

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 19:31:28 +0000

Utah: Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall launched a new Tenant Resource Center as part of the city’s effort to support renters and prevent displacement. The Center will connect tenants with trained housing counselors for services, information, applications, or financial assistance. Local housing advocates praised the decision to heed community input and focus on supporting renters.

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist Announced the Launch of Mortgage Rate Relief Program for First-time Homebuyers

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:16:13 +0000

Michigan: Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist announced the launch of a Rate Relief Mortgage Program, which offers low-income, first-time homebuyers one full percentage point off their mortgage rate. Gilchrist emphasized the importance of this program in helping more Michigan families achieve homeownership and keeping money in their pockets.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Broke Ground on City’s First Permanent Supportive Housing Location

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:13:58 +0000

Nebraska: Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird broke ground on the city’s first-ever permanent supportive housing location aimed at reducing chronic homelessness. The project is set to include a variety of support services and 24/7 staffing to help residents build living skills, receive vital healthcare, and grow their employment opportunities.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney Proposed Tax Relief Program to Reduce Housing Costs

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:11:18 +0000

Virginia: Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney has proposed a tax relief program to reduce housing costs for Richmond homeowners and renters. The RVA Stay plan includes a one-time tax rebate equivalent to a real estate tax rate decrease of $1.20 to $1.16 per $100 in assessed property value. The proposal also includes a $200/month subsidy for six months to anyone spending over 30% of their income on housing. City council members note that the program is a progressive step toward reducing housing costs in Richmond.

Mayor Phillip Jones Works to Eliminate Parking Minimums for New Developments

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:07:12 +0000

Virginia: Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones is working to eliminate parking minimums for new developments across the city. He emphasized that it is part of an effort to reduce burdensome regulations to spur new business and housing developments.

Mayor Tishaura Jones Announced Grant for Community Services to Find Employment for Unhoused Individuals

actualize — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:10:34 +0000

Missouri: Mayor Tishaura Jones announced that St. Louis will award a $450,000 grant to Peter & Paul Community Services to find employment for unhoused individuals, saying “A program like this is a win for our city … (it gives) them access to employment on a path to permanent supported housing.” Jobs include cutting grass, collecting trash, and supporting other public projects. The effort is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.