Lib Dem proposes London-owned developer to help solve capital's housing crisis
A London Housing Company proposed by mayoral candidate Rob Blackie aims to fill gaps in the private market by prioritizing key workers' housing.
Rob Blackie pledges to reinvest profits from the London Housing Company to deliver more homes and establish a Good Developer accreditation scheme. [ more ]
Data shows how often some Ontario landlords applied for 'above guideline' rent hikes | CBC News
Corporate landlords dominate rent increase applications in Ontario, leading to market concentration and potential displacement of long-term tenants. [ more ]
Could underused schools help address Toronto's housing crisis? | CBC News
Toronto councillors are urging the province to change a rule hindering the city from buying public school land for housing due to stringent fair market value requirements. [ more ]
Officials cut ribbon on more than 300 affordable apartments at Greenpoint Landing * Brooklyn Paper
A 22-story apartment building with 374 units, offering over 300 permanently-affordable units, has opened at Greenpoint Landing.
The apartments cater to different income levels, with some units reserved for formerly-homeless New Yorkers and rents starting at just over $400 per month. [ more ]
Public Review to Begin for Mayor's 'City of Yes' Housing Plan, as Affordability Details Emerge
The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity plan aims to address the housing crisis through zoning changes, including a density bonus for income-restricted units. [ more ]
The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, announced that 18 new housing developments in the Gowanus area of New York City will move forward thanks to a state tax break called the Gowanus Neighborhood Mixed Income Housing Development Program.
The program allows for the construction of 5,300 housing units, of which 1,400 will be rent-stabilized and income-restricted, conforming to the city's Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program and offering a deeper level of affordability than the expired 421-a tax break. [ more ]
NY lawmakers propose bill aimed at migrant shelter stay limits
New York lawmakers propose legislation to eliminate 30- and 60-day limits on migrant shelter stays.
The bill would prevent municipalities and the state from placing limits on shelter stays and would only allow evictions under special circumstances. [ more ]
Walters: California spends billions on homelessness yet crisis keeps getting worse
California has the largest number of homeless people in the U.S. with high rates relative to population.
Despite billions spent on homelessness, the numbers continue to grow due to various factors like high housing costs and lack of consensus on effective programs. [ more ]
Affordable 2-bedroom apartments for middle-class families in NYC no longer exist
Mayor Eric Adams emphasizes housing affordability for families, but the city's focus on studios and one-bedroom units may not align with family needs. [ more ]
To Save San Francisco, a Democrat Wants to Scrap Environmental Reviews
State Senator Scott Wiener is proposing a rollback of the California Environmental Quality Act in order to address the housing crisis in San Francisco.
The proposed rollback would allow most projects in downtown San Francisco to bypass environmental review for the next decade. [ more ]
Always a bed in prison': Australia's housing crisis blamed for rise in unsentenced prisoners
The number of Indigenous inmates imprisoned without a sentence increased by 13.2% last year in Australia.
The rise in unsentenced prisoners is attributed to factors such as the housing crisis and culturally challenging bail laws impacting First Nations people. [ more ]
Homelessness is 'the worst possible outcome for Ukrainian guests'
The risk of homelessness for Ukrainians in the UK is increasing due to the breakdown of sponsorship arrangements.
London Councils are facing challenges in providing suitable accommodation for Ukrainian refugees amidst the affordable housing shortage and extreme homelessness crisis. [ more ]
Construction of affordable homes in London is grinding to a halt, Gove told
Housebuilding in London has slowed down dramatically, with the number of affordable homes being built dropping by 75% in the last year.
The G15, representing the 11 largest housing associations in London, is calling on the government to inject billions of pounds into an affordable homes building program. [ more ]
Gov. Hochul announces plan to build more than 5,300 housing units in Gowanus
New housing developments will move forward in the Gowanus area, including over 5,300 apartments with over 1,400 affordable units.
The Gowanus Neighborhood Mixed Income Housing Development Program aims to save stalled construction projects and address the housing crisis in New York. [ more ]
The 421a program, which provided tax breaks for developers, expired in 2022, leading to a fight over its replacement.
The program was important for the construction of rental buildings in New York City, but now the focus is on building affordable apartments for moderate- and lower-income residents. [ more ]
The Tax Break New York Relied on to Build Housing Is Gone. What's Next?
421a is a state program in New York City that provides property tax breaks to developers to build housing.
The 421a program is controversial, with proponents claiming it is essential for building rental properties and opponents arguing it is a giveaway for developers. [ more ]
Tory social housing plan aims to prioritise British homes for British workers'
Downing Street is considering a controversial scheme that would prioritize UK families for social housing, a move designed to appeal to voters concerned about immigration.
Housing experts and charity organizations argue that the scheme is unnecessary, unenforceable, and unjust, as there are already rules in place to prioritize UK citizens or those with settled status for social housing. [ more ]
Rally Backs Affordable Housing Initiative in Wingate
Hundreds of central Brooklyn residents and local officials rallied to endorse Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to convert part of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center campus into affordable housing.
The event featured stories from those directly affected by the housing crisis, highlighting the urgent need for accessible housing solutions. [ more ]
$30,000 a Year for Housing? That's Average in New York.
Housing costs in New York City have increased significantly, with the average household spending about $30,000 per year on housing expenses.
Low-income households have been the most affected by the rising housing costs, but moderate- and middle-income households have also felt the pressure. [ more ]
Gov. Hochul has struck out on housing reform - but here's what could actually help NYC's crisis
The annual session of the New York state legislature is a cause for dread for housing advocates due to the dominance of socialists who support government control of housing.
Proposals such as punitive rent controls and requirements for below-market-rent apartments contribute to the goal of government and nonprofit control of housing in New York City.
Governor Kathy Hochul's previous proposals for a land use revolution to force local governments to create more apartments were unsuccessful, suggesting a need for a more pragmatic approach. [ more ]