Chloe Zhu’s Post

As identified at the VP debate, housing affordability is a major concern for American working and middle class families—the unaffordability of housing is particularly difficult for younger Americans who hope to form stable families. Unfortunately several of the proposals coming out of the campaigns would be expensive and ineffective. The Harris-Walz proposals for large subsidies both to individuals and local governments will increase housing costs and distort the housing markets. On the other hand, the Trump-Vance proposals to build on public land not currently being used or set aside as national parks could substantially increase housing supply. Finally focusing on reducing zoning, land use and other regulatory burdens to building housing maybe most promising approach.

What’s Next for Federal Housing Policy? As we look ahead to 2025, the future of federal housing policy remains a critical conversation. Planetizen’s latest article explores potential directions, including increased funding for affordable housing, shifts in zoning reform, and innovative programs to address the growing housing crisis. With rising demand and limited supply, federal housing policy will play a pivotal role in shaping our cities and communities. Whether it’s expanding access to affordable housing or modernizing infrastructure to meet 21st-century needs, proactive solutions are essential to ensure housing stability for all Americans. What do you think are the most pressing issues for federal housing policy to address in the coming years? Let’s discuss! Read the full article here: What Might Federal Housing Policy Look Like in 2025? #HousingPolicy #AffordableHousing #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstate #CommunityDevelopment #HousingCrisis #FederalPolicy #ZoningReform #Infrastructure #SmartGrowth #SustainableLiving #UrbanPlanning #ConstructionInnovation

According to the Oregon Housing and Community Services 2024 State of the State’s Housing Report, Bend remains one of Oregon’s most expensive cities to buy a home, with prices far exceeding local incomes. 🚨 The Numbers Speak Loudly: ◾ The home price-to-income ratio in Bend is 6.5, among the highest in the state. ◾ Only 29% of Oregonians can afford a typical home today, down from 53% in 2013. These barriers aren’t just financial—they ripple through our workforce, impacting essential workers who help our community thrive but struggle to find stable housing. BIPOC households face even greater hurdles, with systemic barriers widening the gap between opportunity and ownership. At Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity, we’re stepping up. Through innovative partnerships, sustainable building practices, and equity-driven strategies, we’re working to make homeownership a reality for more families. 💬 Join the Conversation: How can we collectively address affordability and bridge gaps in homeownership? Share your thoughts or connect to learn more about our initiatives. #AffordableHousing #BendOregon #Homeownership #HousingEquity #CommunityImpact

We have released the first State of the State Housing Report for Oregon, providing an in-depth analysis of housing availability and affordability across the state. Drawing from comprehensive data on housing markets, economic trends, and demographic shifts, the report highlights the challenges Oregon residents face in affording high-quality housing. 🏘 📈 “Data enables us to identify where our efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed to make life better in ways that all people can feel and that we can measure,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. We aim to release a State of the State’s Housing Report every two years, with additional localized analyses in the years between each release. To read the full press release and for a link to the report: bit.ly/3On0izF

Oregon’s first State of the State’s Housing Report underscores the need for more affordable housing. Oregon ranks first in the nation for the most families with children who are living without shelter. Read the full report - https://lnkd.in/gyVkwe4e

Professor Edward L. Glaeser from Harvard University advocates a novel approach to tackle the national housing shortage by rethinking the allocation / withholding of federal highway funds. Daring ideas like Mr. Glaeser's play a vital role in advancing affordability in the greater Boston area and beyond. Municipalities in Massachusetts can also benefit from strategies like adjusting lot dimensions, reevaluating height restrictions, modernizing parking regulations near mbta commuter rail stations, and providing tax incentives / abatements to developers via at the state level. With the anticipated Fed interest rate reduction on September 18th, now may be an ideal time to open and advance the pent-up development pipeline in Massachusetts. #HousingAffordability #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstatePolicy

This is an interesting article and makes a lot of sense. It doesn’t mean that urban planning has no place, but it does make us think about how overly restrictive zoning and other limitations prevent equitable housing access and the ability for marginalized people to enjoy the intergenerational wealth-building opportunities that homeownership provides. Great read.

The Best Plan for Housing Is to Plan Less https://lnkd.in/gZ9sQi9a one big reform that would raise living standards, reduce wealth inequality, increase productivity, raise social mobility, help struggling men without college degrees, clean the planet and raise birth rates. It’s a sweeping reform that Democrats and Republicans, progressives and conservatives could all proudly support. The panacea policy I have in mind is housing deregulation. Research confirms that there are large benefits in saying yes to tall buildings, yes to multifamily structures, yes to dense single-family development and yes to speedy permitting. The growing YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement already has high-profile wins in Minnesota, Oregon, California and beyond, but even YIMBY devotees rarely appreciate the scope of the merits of loosening rules on housing.

Planners play an essential role in understanding and addressing the regulatory, social, and economic barriers to affordable housing. This course offers an overview of U.S. housing policy from its historical roots to modern challenges and solutions. https://lnkd.in/g6wzUkzZ

"The panacea policy I have in mind is #housing deregulation," writes Bryan Caplan in The New York Times Opinion. "Research confirms that there are large benefits in saying yes to tall buildings, yes to multifamily structures, yes to dense single-family development and yes to speedy permitting. The growing YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement already has high-profile wins in Minnesota, Oregon, California and beyond, but even #YIMBY devotees rarely appreciate the scope of the merits of loosening rules on housing." This op-ed explores the various factors at play in today's #housingcrisis — and why housing deregulation might have a positive impact: https://lnkd.in/ema6Zh9Y