Jamie Gauthier’s Post

EPS helps bring about significant land use and zoning amendments in Eagle, Colorado! In 2021, the Town of Eagle, Colorado, with a population of about 7,500, began updating its land use code for the first time since the 1970s to address rising housing prices. Eagle staff saw an opportunity to address affordable housing by leveraging state funds available to municipalities to complete a housing needs assessment and adopt new land use strategies. EPS, in collaboration with Clarion Associates, Town staff, an engaged Town Council, active resident participation, and state funding, brought about significant land use and zoning amendments. Read more about it: https://lnkd.in/dXa-NMhm

Biden-Harris Administration Takes Additional Steps to Increase Housing Supply and Lower Housing Costs Across the Country. #LowerHousingCosts #RemoveHousingBarriers #HousingZoning #HousingPermitting Today, the Biden-Harris Administration and HUD announced $85 million in grants through the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) program. The PRO Housing program provides funding to state and local governments that are committed to addressing local barriers to housing production and supports their ability to take various actions, such as updating housing plans, revising land use policies, incentivizing development, and streamlining the construction permitting process. Grantees will also be able to use their awards to address outdated zoning laws that hinder housing production, create subsidies that facilitate preservation of affordable homes, and design programs to expand access to homeownership. While only 21 grantees were selected, over 175 PRO Housing program applicants identified several challenges they encounter during the construction process, including high land and construction costs, outdated development processes, and risks of extreme weather hazards. Applicants that were not selected for this round of PRO Housing funding will receive technical assistance to support their efforts to increase supply and lower housing costs. Additionally, HUD and the Biden-Harris Administration will release a second round of funding for the PRO Housing program later this year.

I agree 100% Nixon Bernard, CIREC CCA. Let's start a discussion about how to change that. the circles I move in are looking at strategic development of empty lots into secular communities and residential conversion of derelict or abandoned office space. What solutions do you think we're leaving out of the conversation? #sfrealtor #sfrealestate #sanfranciscobayarea #bayareadevelopment #bayarearealestate #sanfranciscorealestate #realestate #affordablehousing #sanfranciscorealtor #sanfranciscobayarearealtor #sequoiarealestate

Montana is making waves with a bold approach to tackling its housing shortage! Groundwork hosted "The Montana Miracle," a panel discussion at the Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas Place Summit, where Forrest Mandeville, Nathan Dugan, PT, DPT and Duke McLarty discussed Montana's state-wide housing strategies. This engaging discussion explored how zoning reforms are creating opportunities for developers, strengthening communities, and addressing affordability challenges across the state. Learn about the motivations behind these legislative changes, the expected impacts, and the hurdles still to overcome as Montana works to meet growing housing demand. Full recording available at https://lnkd.in/g8rZEB7A #HousingSolutions #ZoningReform #MontanaHousing #FutureIsNow #HousingforNWA

Are you a land use professional and live in WAKEFIELD, WINCHESTER, ROCKPORT, CHELMSFORD, CONCORD or ANDOVER MA? If so, make sure you attend your Town Meeting or have let your Town Meeting Rep know where you stand on the adoption of zoning under the so-called MBTA Communities Act/3A. Those votes are happening on APRIL 29th - TONIGHT (Wakefield, Winchester, Rockport, Chelmsford, Concord) and APRIL 30th (Andover) - TOMORROW. Here in Massachusetts, as across the country, we are desperately in need of more housing to remain economically competitive. And the MBTA Communities zoning has the potential to create 'missing middle' moderately dense housing that can make our towns more livable, economically vibrant (think - coffee shops, grocery stores, hardware stores, local retail, in addition to supporting your commercial tax base). Without enabling the creation of more housing, the costs of renting and buying homes will continue to go up, making it increasingly difficult to attract the young folks and young families that are critical to our communities' ecosystems.

The Annual State of the Nation's Housing Report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reminds us that homeownership is still far out of reach for many in our country. Higher costs, construction slow-downs, and record level family cost burdens are some of the reasons to blame. Habitat is working on solutions in California, including increased resources for production and policies that make it easier, less expensive, and faster to build the homes so many desperately need. Read the report here: https://buff.ly/3ULr49q #OutOfReach #HarvardHousingReport #AffordableHomeownership

What happens when affordable housing clashes with land development? For residents of Sweetwater Mobile Home Park, the answer is heartbreaking: displacement. This story isn’t just about one community—it’s a wake-up call for all mobile home park owners, developers, and policymakers. As land values rise, the most vulnerable residents often pay the price. How do we balance development with the preservation of affordable housing? In this MH Digest article, I explore the story of Sweetwater residents and unpack the critical lessons: ⏩Why community-focused planning is essential to avoid displacement. ⏩How proactive communication with residents can build trust during challenging transitions. ⏩The importance of balancing economic growth with housing stability As housing pressures grow nationwide, stories like Sweetwater’s will only become more common. How do you think we can strike a balance between development and housing security? See story here: https://buff.ly/4i5e5bO

Since 2017, California has taken an approach to addressing its middle-scale housing challenges, with a focus on expanding affordable housing options like ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Through targeted reforms, the state has streamlined the process for developing these smaller housing units, directly responding to the growing demand for diverse, accessible housing solutions. By leveraging insights from successful case studies across other regions, California has implemented policies that reduce barriers and increase housing supply without altering the character of existing communities. This thoughtful approach, supported by the Casita Coalition and Zillow, offers a clear model for other states facing similar housing crises. The key lesson: evidence-based policy changes, informed by proven strategies, can play a crucial role in addressing housing affordability and accessibility.

Nationally, nearly five million affordable rental homes are supported by federal project-based programs, representing 10% of the U.S. rental housing stock. While the need is critical, thousands of homes are at risk of exiting these programs each year, whether through property depreciation, the expiration of tax credits, or insufficient funding. By 2026, 327,565 affordable homes will have expired affordability restrictions. Others may need reinvestment to remain in safe operating conditions for families. Yet, with the right data, invested community partners can intervene and preserve affordable housing stock in their states and communities. See what’s happening in your state at: https://lnkd.in/eTSrjf3U