February 25, 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.


Is Buying a House Still the Best Way to Build Wealth?

(RECAP: Real estate is a shakier investment than it once was, but it's still one of the most viable options for building a financial future.)

The Secrets of Successful Communities – Part 1: Have a Vision for the Future

(RECAP: Successful communities always have a plan for the future. Unfortunately, “planning” is a dirty word in some communities, especially in small towns and rural areas. In some places, this is the result of a misunderstanding of planning and its value.)

A Critical Mission: Developing Veterans Housing

(RECAP: Developments serving needy veterans are being built across the country. Each is unique. Some stand out because of their special focus on women, seniors or veterans with families. Some because of the sheer scope of the housing and services they offer. And, others because of their location on or near Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities.)

The Promise of the $20,000 House

(RECAP: In Alabama, the Rural Studio design workshop has spent years refining 16 prototypes for a cheap, well-made small house. Soon, they'll start selling the plans.)

New report presents ideas for strengthening public land policies to spur more affordable housing

(RECAP: A new report presents eight recommendations for how localities can work effectively with the private sector to reduce development costs and maximize the potential for affordable homes on these various forms of public land.)

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.

The Anti-Poverty Case for “Smart” Gentrification, Part 1

(RECAP: Gentrification – the migration of wealthier people into poorer neighborhoods – is a contentious issue in most American cities. Many fear that even if gentrification helps a city in broad terms, for instance by improving the tax base, it will be bad news for low-income residents who are hit by rising rents or even displacement. But this received wisdom is only partially true.)

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