California's Prop. 1 could change homeless, behavioral health services in Alameda County
Proposition 1 on the presidential primary ballot in California aims to provide new treatment beds and housing units for veterans and those with behavioral health challenges.
The proposition would shift 5% of funding out of county coffers and into statewide programs, while counties would still keep 90% of the funds with new guidelines. [ more ]
Some homeless people refuse shelter beds. In one Bay Area county, that could soon be a crime
San Mateo County officials are considering making it a crime to refuse available, temporary housing for the homeless.
The proposal is aimed at addressing the challenge of individuals in encampments who decline services or refuse to move into shelter.
Opponents worry that the proposal will criminalize homelessness, while supporters argue it is about helping those who may not be able to help themselves. [ more ]
Manor Lords: How to raise your approval rating and grow your population
To gain population growth and increase approval rating as a Lord in the Middle Ages, focus on providing housing, food, amenities like churches and marketplaces, and maintain the happiness of your people. [ more ]
Meet the District 5 candidates: What will be your first housing move?
Candidates in District 5 are asked weekly questions on various topics to showcase their stances, aiding voters in understanding their positions on critical issues. [ more ]
Hochul unveils conceptual' $237B state budget deal focused on housing, retail theft, illicit weed shops | amNewYork
The $237 billion Fiscal Year 2025 state budget tentative deal was announced, focusing on housing, retail theft, unlicensed cannabis shops, and migrant crisis aid. [ more ]
City Hall approves plan for 1,500 new homes in Poplar after Tower Hamlets moved to block scheme
Permission has been granted for the construction of over 1,500 homes in east London, overturning the local council's rejection of the plans.
The decision to grant permission was made by Jules Pipe, London's deputy mayor for planning, who stated that the scheme would contribute to the city's housing targets.
The number of homes in the original proposal was slightly reduced due to a new fire safety measure banning buildings taller than 18 meters without a second staircase. [ more ]
Berkeley housing project of 500-plus homes may replace restaurant row
A 28-story housing tower with 599 residences, including low-income units, is being proposed in downtown Berkeley.
The tower would replace a restaurant row, but a rooftop restaurant and ground-level commercial spaces would be included in the new development. [ more ]
Green London mayoral candidate Zoe Garbett pledges lower Tube fares and free school meals expansion
London is becoming too expensive for many residents, impacting basic needs like meals and housing.
Green Party mayoral candidate Zoe Garbett pledges to lower transportation costs, extend free school meals, and work towards more affordable housing for London residents. [ more ]
Battle Over San Francisco's Coastal Development Sparks Statewide Concerns | KQED
State Senator Scott Wiener has introduced a bill that aims to remove urban San Francisco from the protections of the California Coastal Commission, in order to make it easier to build affordable housing in the city.
Some believe that the bill is primarily motivated by a desire to permit a 50-story high-rise development in the Outer Sunset, which is currently subject to the Coastal Commission's review process. [ more ]
Mayor Michelle Wu focuses on housing, education, and climate change.
Boston aims to become the greenest city in the country by banning fossil fuels in new city buildings and implementing a networked geothermal system. [ more ]
As crucial House elections near, New York governor outlines agenda
Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her agenda for 2024 in a State of the State address, focusing on public safety, housing, and mental health treatment.
Hochul is seeking to reach a compromise with progressive statehouse Democrats on housing, which is a politically challenging issue for her party's congressional candidates in suburban areas. [ more ]
As crucial House elections near, New York governor outlines agenda
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her agenda for 2024, focusing on housing, crime, and education policies.
Hochul's priorities include increasing the housing supply, combatting retail theft, and reaching a deal with progressives to create more housing. [ more ]
The Sputtering Effort to Persuade Migrants to Leave New York
State program struggles to relocate migrant families in NYC due to various reasons like attachment to the city and lack of international reputation in other areas. [ more ]
War is decimating Ukrainian villages. This new tool could help rebuild them
Balbek Bureau launched a modular housing system for displaced people following the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
They created a free online design tool called RE:Ukraine Villages to help those affected by the war rebuild quickly while preserving their cultural heritage. [ more ]
Stilt houses in Los Angeles, built from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, are a unique housing type that may not be built anymore due to building regulations and other factors.
These houses, perched on steep slopes, represent a different era in the psychological history of the city and have been depicted in media as symbols of thrill-seeking and rule-breaking mentalities. [ more ]
Vulnerable family forced to eat Christmas dinner on floor after landlord failings
A mother and her two young children were forced to eat their Christmas dinner on the floor after water flooded their flat and they were moved into temporary accommodation.
The housing ombudsman has ordered their landlord, Yorkshire Housing, to pay nearly 4000 to the family after it found they were guilty of severe maladministration over the handling of the leak, damp and mould. [ more ]
City hoping to fast-track some changes to land use code - Austin Monitor
The City Council Housing and Planning Committee approved a resolution urging the entire Council to move forward with amendments to the Land Development Code, particularly relating to Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD).
The resolution is part of proposed changes to the code related to Project Connect and reducing minimum lot sizes for housing. [ more ]
International students have mixed feelings about visa cap, say system needs review | CBC News
Canada is capping the number of study permits for international undergraduate students over the next two years.
International students face challenges securing housing and finding part-time jobs, all while paying higher tuition rates than domestic students. [ more ]
Michael Gove capitulating' to nimbys by blocking new homes, say developers
Cabinet minister Michael Gove is facing criticism for allowing councils to reject housebuilding targets and make changes to the planning system
The changes are seen as a capitulation to the nimby faction of the Conservative party and could result in fewer new homes and worsening housing affordability [ more ]
Family of seven in one-bed flat 'not overcrowded', south London council says
A family of seven living in a mouldy one bedroom flat were told they were not overcrowded by a South London council.
The father claims that his 11-month-old daughter has been admitted to the hospital six times due to breathing difficulties caused by the conditions in the flat. [ more ]
'Nightmare' - 10 adults and three children found crammed into single flat
Harrow Council enforcement officers discovered 13 occupants crowded in a three-bed flat during a routine inspection.
The flat had several hazards including exposed wires and faulty appliance sockets.
Harrow Council works with police, trading standards, and London Fire Brigade to tackle issues including overcrowding and unsafe living conditions. [ more ]
Cupertino settles YIMBY housing lawsuit, agrees to builder's remedy penalty
Cupertino has reached a settlement with YIMBY Law and the California Housing Defense Fund over its failure to meet the state deadline for housing elements.
As part of the settlement, Cupertino will revise its plans for housing in accordance with state law and has agreed to follow the builder's remedy.
Cupertino must approve 4,588 new homes by 2031, with 1,880 of them designated for low-income households. [ more ]
As crucial House elections near, New York governor outlines agenda
Gov. Kathy Hochul outlines her agenda for 2024 in a State of the State address, focusing on public safety, housing, and mental health.
Hochul aims to reach a deal with progressives to create more housing in the state, proposing a $500 million fund and tax breaks for developers. [ more ]
New York Governor to Outline Agenda Ahead of Crucial House Elections
New York Governor Kathy Hochul will outline her agenda in a State of the State address, focusing on housing, crime, and education policies.
There is increased attention on New York as a potential battleground state for the U.S. House in November, adding national importance to the governor's agenda this year. [ more ]
Opinion: Stop scapegoating CEQA for California's affordable housing crisis
Governor Newsom signed bills eliminating the requirement to disclose public health and environmental impacts of infill housing developments in California.
Lawmakers blaming environmental regulation for affordable housing shortages is misinformed. [ more ]
Opinion: Stop scapegoating CEQA for California's affordable housing crisis
Governor Newsom signed bills eliminating the requirement to disclose public health and environmental impacts of infill housing developments in California.
Lawmakers blaming environmental regulation for affordable housing shortages is misinformed. [ more ]
Opinion: Stop scapegoating CEQA for California's affordable housing crisis
Governor Newsom signed bills eliminating the requirement to disclose public health and environmental impacts of infill housing developments in California.
Lawmakers blaming environmental regulation for affordable housing shortages is misinformed. [ more ]
Less than 5% of homes sold in the first half of 2023 were affordable to households earning $93,000 or less, putting them at 80% of the local median family income or below.
There is an overall 45.4% shortage of homes in Travis County, or 247,240 homes unavailable to potential buyers.
Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino households face the greatest shortage of housing, with 58.3% and 57.6% respectively. [ more ]
'Game-changer for the Valley': Almost 1,500 new housing units to be built at North Hollywood Metro station
A new mixed-use development called District NoHo is coming to North Hollywood's Metro station, as part of an effort to build housing and community around transportation hubs.
The 15-acre project has been approved by the Los Angeles City Council and will include 1,481 residential units, along with office, retail, and restaurant space. [ more ]
San Jose State University is leasing and plans to buy the south tower of the Signia Hilton to house 700 to 800 students.
There are several smaller projects in downtown San Jose, including a new restaurant, housing towers, a food hall, a cannabis dispensary, and a pedestrian bridge. [ more ]