Alkarim Devani’s Post

"New state legislation like Senate Bill 4 has streamlined developing affordable housing on church-owned properties by overriding local zoning restrictions and expediting the permitting process." These projects are proof that with deepened investments to create and preserve affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and strengthen protections, we can change the landscape of affordable housing for the region. Read the full story below👇

Did you know that until 2015, federal rules barred most residents in a community from making direct investments in a local real estate project? After regulation shifts, we're seeing community ownership projects take root across the country, including our partner East Bay Permanent Real Estate Cooperative - EB PREC in Oakland. EB PREC organizes with tenants and community groups to purchase properties, take them off of the speculative market, and create permanently affordable housing and commercial spaces for communities of color and low-wealth communities that have been historically denied access to ownership. https://lnkd.in/dXrd5yVf

A rental project cannot sustain an #inclusionaryzoning requirement at any density. There is no way it will work. The covenant on title restricting the housing to rental, with the onerous price controls and stringent regulations that comes with rental housing, limit its value to the point that below market units are not sustainable. Price controls will always reduce the quality and quantity of housing. After years of failed policy, the City of Burnaby has finally figured this out and staff have recommended removing inclusionary zoning requirements from #marketrental proposals. It's time that Vancouver throw in the towel on this failed policy and do the same. "ABC Vancouver Coun. Rebecca Bligh said the building heights be necessary to achieve the city’s 20 per cent social or affordable housing goal in each new building." "As it’s a rental project, the developer doesn’t have to provide community amenity contributions, which are often used for parks, daycares or community centres elsewhere in the city." "Bligh said to get money from the developer to pay for the social housing, the project must be taller." #rental #purposebuiltrental #construction #realestate #landlords

Nolan Gray, California YIMBY, and Works In Progress are undeniably amongst the organizations and individuals who influence us here at Easement This piece by M. Nolan Gray on "San Diego's infinite housing glitch" is worth a read. There are also marked wins on the California YIMBY docket that are related to this such as SB 1211 that now allow for up to 8 #ADUs to be built on a multifamily lot https://lnkd.in/g6aTraca Together these folks are pushing forward policies that will increase #housing production and hopefully allow for more people to be #sheltered

Why can't I choose the way I want to live? I am delightfully happy in a small space—not everyone is, and that's okay. But not everyone wants to live the way I do. Shouldn't we be free to choose? The threat of losing my home to a council law loomed large while I was fortunate to have land to build on. A law written by man can be unwritten by man. I am no longer willing to stand by the side and wait. I want to join the fight—not with anger, but with joy, love, and the empowerment that building my own home has brought me. The freedom in the passion, the drive, and the lessons learned has connected me to something greater than myself. Imagine spreading this joy by housing those who dream of tiny homes. Imagine being part of the journey to change housing structures, laws, and regulations—removing the barriers that prevent more of us from joining this cause. The cost isn’t high. This movement isn’t for everyone, but it’s for some. And for those who feel the call, it will grow—some, then more, and eventually enough to make a difference. Picture this: a hillside dotted with tiny homes. Not cramped or stacked but thoughtfully placed within gardens and greenery. A community built on cooperation and connection. A vision for housing estates that embrace the concept of scaling down—average homes to tiny homes, average blocks to tiny ones. Add pathways for shared living, gardens for shared sustenance, and a collective spirit that thrives on collaboration. Now imagine that this isn't just a dream. Envision a sustainable future where home is a legislated human right. A government commitment to providing housing for all. Where the laws reflect a society that values creativity, individuality, and sustainability—a society that has grown out of its past and into a future where housing solutions are as diverse as the people who inhabit them. When we keep the laws the same, we keep the same problems. But if we allow for change—real, meaningful change—we can create something extraordinary. The freedom and joy I have found in tiny living is something I want to share, not just through words, but through action. It’s about crafting not only homes, but also a movement that empowers others to live in a way that aligns with their values. This is about building more than houses. It’s about building hope, community, and a future where everyone can choose how they live—and thrive in the process.

Affordable Housing Venture in Charlotte: A Guide to Finding Affordable Housing Read the full article below..

Tackling housing affordability is a complex challenge that demands a comprehensive strategy. The issue is multifaceted: Factors such as- Inefficient zoning High cost of land Expensive permitting High building costs Increased interest rates and, Excessive regulatory burdens are all contributing to the problem. The City of San Diego has notably enhanced its efforts in addressing these issues and is now being acknowledged and rewarded for its progress. The City's approach emphasizes a holistic solution to the housing crisis, recognizing the importance of addressing various underlying causes. Their recent recognition reflects the positive impact of their initiatives on increasing affordability and accessibility for residents. Do you support the idea of integrating higher density in Single Family Neighborhoods as a means to improve housing affordability? Did I miss anything in my list? Share your thoughts on this approach and learn more about San Diego's efforts in the link below. [Link to San Diego's recognition for housing affordability efforts](https://lnkd.in/gHfCjnNx) John Laine Bill Davidson Sanjeet Pandit

Mayor Signs Legislation to Expand Co-Living Housing Opportunities in Seattle 👏 👏 1.  Makes congregate residence an allowed use on any lot that allows for at least six multifamily residential units. 2. Removes minimum development standards for configuration of congregate residence buildings, including standards for communal areas and common food preparation areas.   3. Exempts co-living housing / congregate residences from providing parking within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop. 4. Reduces bicycle parking requirements to  to equal one quarter of the required quantity of the requirement for a dwelling unit.  https://lnkd.in/dzasB8XR #MZA #HOUSING

Since enacting broad housing reforms in 2019, Durham, North Carolina, has been experiencing an explosion of missing-middle housing and housing affordability. Here are the main reforms the city enacted and how they're helping it fight the housing crisis: 1. Ending Single-Family-only Zoning: Allows the creation of duplexes and backyard cottages throughout the city. This enabled new construction that wasn’t financially viable before, as land costs could be spread over several households, and revived a mostly dormant neighborhood-scale rental housing market. 2. Creating a Small Lot Code: Allows houses, including duplexes and houses with backyard cottages, to be built on lots up to 2,000 square feet. In three years, 50 units were built with Small Lot permits and over 100 more started the permitting and building process, successfully reintroducing starter homes to a high-demand city. 3. Introducing Reduced-Pole Flag Lots: Allows small houses to be constructed on flag lots with only 12-foot-wide poles. Opened up more land for housing development and triggered a surge of community-enhancing housing.

The City of Flin Flon and a Calgary-based company have signed an option agreement for building housing at three locations around the community. If it moves forward, the company could build up to four new mixed-use residential apartment blocks in Flin Flon and hundreds of new units.