Voters in many U.S. jurisdictions passed housing measures Nov. 8 that will collectively set aside billions of dollars in new funding to create more affordable housing and provide protections for renters.
Notable propositions impacting housing include:
- With 92% of votes counted, in Colorado, voters favored passage of Proposition 123, which would require the state to allocate about 2% of income tax revenues in the annual budget for affordable housing.
- A so-called “mansion tax” in Los Angeles appeared headed for passage. It would impose a one-time tax on residential and commercial property sales that exceed $5 million with money directed to construction of affordable housing, emergency rent subsidies, and services for those at-risk homelessness.
- Berkeley, Calif., passed a $650 bond measure that sets aside $200 million to create 1,500 affordable units for low-income residents and people experiencing homelessness.
- Oakland, Calif., passed a $350 million bond measure to buy, rehabilitate, and build affordable housing.
- A bond measure passed in Buncombe County, North Carolina, (including the City of Asheville) that raises $40 million to pay for low-to-moderate-income affordable housing.
- Austin, Texas, passed a $350 million bond measure for low-income rental housing, low-income homeownership, home repairs, and preservation of existing affordable housing.
- A $200 million bond package passed in Columbus, Ohio, to create new affordable units, aid affordable home ownership, preserve existing affordable units, and support residents experiencing homelessness.
- In Kansas City, Missouri, a $50 million bond measure will help rehabilitate, renovate, and construct housing for very low- to moderate-income households.
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Best AEC Firms of 2011/12
Later this year, we will launch Best AEC Firms 2012. We’re looking for firms that create truly positive workplaces for their AEC professionals and support staff. Keep an eye on this page for entry information. +