January 28, 2015

Beyond Bricks and Sticks






A weekly digest of current trends in housing and community development. The discussion examines topics from infrastructure to community fabric.

NLIHC 2015 Housing Legislation Forum

(RECAP: The 2015 NLIHC Housing Legislative Forum, to be held March 1-3 in Washington, D.C., is strategic and focused in its design, geared specifically for NLIHC members who are actively engaged in and committed to influencing legislative action on national housing policies affecting extremely low income individuals.)
http://nlihc.org/events/forum

What Does Living 'Close' to Transit Really Mean?

(RECAP: Not all urban street networks are created equal, but recent findings raise the possibility cities could increase both ridership and market opportunities by extending transit oriented development (TOD) planning at least a mile from a station.)
http://www.citylab.com/cityfixer/2015/01/what-does-living-close-to-transit-really-mean/384421/

Can Boomers Make Cohousing Mainstream?

(RECAP: Popular in northern Europe, cohousing is still a fringe option in the U.S. But the number of cohousing communities here is set to climb, thanks to Baby Boomers.)
http://www.citylab.com/housing/2015/01/can-boomers-make-cohousing-mainstream/384624/

The Top 10 Senior Housing Trends for 2015

(RECAP: Overall demand is intrinsically rising for senior housing options (a.k.a. ‘choices’) as seniors are finding it easier to sell their homes and make decisions, which cascades to industry participants. Here are the Top 10 Trends for Senior Housing for 2015.)
http://seniorhousingnews.com/2015/01/19/top-10-senior-housing-trends-2015/

Small to Go Big in 2015? Maybe. Finally. Here’s why.

(RECAP: To help get more model neighborhoods on the ground, local and national non-profits are coming to the table to add value to potential deals with private developers and to help manage thorny issues with financing and qualifying candidates for rental units. That may be the next stage of accelerating pocket neighborhood growth.)
http://www.placemakers.com/2015/01/19/small-to-go-big-in-2015/

Opinions on Housing

The views and opinions expressed in Opinions on Housing are solely those of the original authors, and do not necessarily represent those of VHDA, our stakeholders or any/all contributors to this blog.

Talkin’ Right, Leanin’ Left: The ‘New Consurbanism’?

(RECAP: Urbanists tend to romanticize the appeal of city life and understate the challenges of trying to build a life there without the talent, luck or resources to take advantage of what cities offer. Conservatives tend to romanticize rural and small town life without acknowledging the cultural isolation and the narrow range of financial opportunities. Agreeing on ultimate ends allows for the discussion you want to get to — the one about means.)
http://www.placemakers.com/2015/01/12/talkin-right-leanin-left-the-new-consurbanism/

Obtaining a mortgage loan: How do we know if it's too hard, too easy, or just about right?

(RECAP: Measuring access to credit is complicated. On January 6, the Urban Institute’s Housing Finance Policy Center convened a panel of experts to discuss three promising new indices that provide a robust measurement of credit availability.)
http://blog.metrotrends.org/2015/01/obtaining-mortgage-loan-hard-easy-right/

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