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Policy
The rules of the game—and the attitudes of the players—have an enormous effect on community development work at all levels. Here we look at some of the conversations about how to shift that policy for the better.
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Targeting First-Generation Homebuyers Is a Great Way to Direct Downpayment Assistance—And It Could Be Better
The proposed program could shrink the racial homeownership gap while serving a wide cross-section of people. But it only addresses some of the results of past discrimination.
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FHA Changes Could Make ADU Construction More Affordable
The Federal Housing Administration may soon allow homeowners to count projected rent toward their qualifying income to build an accessory dwelling unit. While ADU advocates call the change “monumental,” the proposed policy isn’t perfect.
Jersey City Grants Free Counsel to Renters Facing Eviction
Jersey City renters can’t keep up with a housing crisis fueled by proximity to New York City. A new right to counsel program, funded by development fees, could help.
Which U.S. Laws Require Accessibility in Housing—And How Well Do They Do?
Activists have been fighting for decades to expand accessible housing for disabled residents. They’ve made progress, but say that current regulations and enforcement don’t go far enough.
Disability Justice and Equity in Housing
Welcome to Shelterforce’s newest Under the Lens series, Not Just Ramps—Disability and Housing Justice. This introductory article lays out why the connection between disability and affordable housing is so strong, and why it’s so important for housers to understand.
We Must Strengthen the Labor-Housing Coalition
It’s time to forge a new coalition of labor unions and housing justice activists at the national, state, and local levels.
How States Can Use Medicaid to Address Housing Costs
New federal guidance enables states to use Medicaid dollars to support housing needs.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Revitalization Tool, Developer Handout … or Both?
Tax increment financing attracts development in disinvested areas, but it also diverts millions of tax revenue away from city services to investors. And some claim officials are using the program in racist and corrupt ways. What is TIF? And how does it work?
Eminent and Notorious: Radical Urban Planner Chester Hartman (1936-2023)
An appreciation of the life and work of Chester Hartman, a radical planner in the service of a vision of social justice.
Six Steps to Ensuring a Strong Right to Organize for Tenants
Getting solid legal protections in place will help tenants stick up for themselves more safely and effectively.
When a Land Bank Starts a Land Trust
An Ohio land bank adds to its developing power through a nonprofit land trust.
Who Gets Tenant Protection Vouchers?
A program to stabilize residents whose subsidized housing is disrupted has also been used to support other highly vulnerable residents, but those uses are a matter of controversy.
Colorado Passed a Historic Affordable Housing Measure. Is It Enough?
The state underfunded affordable housing for decades, but voters recently approved $300 million in new annual spending—and more could be coming.