November 20: What we’re reading
Some articles we found interesting this week:
1. Given the growing concerns about displacement and gentrification due to Raleigh’s rapid growth, here is an interesting article from the UNC School of Government discussing the limited authority NC local governments have to address property tax relief. Read it here.
2. If you enjoy reading law review articles, here’s one discussing development agreements and conditional use zoning. Read it here.
3. Over the last several years, Raleigh has been exploring ways to leverage City-owned property to achieve important policy goals. At its last meeting, Council voted to negotiate with Loden Properties to redevelop property near Moore Square to include affordable housing and uses designed to revitalize Moore Square. Read it in the TBJ. For more detail about all the proposals the City received, click here.
4. The Raleigh Housing Authority announced a partnership to assist with its planned redevelopment of the Heritage Park Community located across Western Boulevard from Dix Park. The redevelopment will likely include mixed-use and mixed-income components, while substantially increasing the overall number of affordable housing units beyond the existing 118. Via the News & Observer.
5. Raleigh’s skyline is in for more changes in the coming years. Via WRAL.
6. One of the major barriers to low-income renters finding housing is the lack of landlords willing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers (formerly called Section 8 Vouchers). Cities like New York are seeking ways to incentivize landlords to accept vouchers. Via Bloomberg.
7. Wake County’s October median real estate price drops $5,000 to $460,000. Via Wake County.
8. This is an interesting article discussing displacement and “green gentrification.” Via Bloomberg.
9. Just because a community is intended to be affordable does not mean it can’t be really energy efficient. Via Bloomberg.
10. Can a “Mansion Tax” lead to more affordable housing? It’s debatable. Via Bloomberg.
11. Here’s a Shelterforce article that describes various forms of tenant protection tools around the country. As affordability continues to pressure lower-income households, these tools are likely to gain more attention (though most are not available to North Carolina cities). Via Shelterforce.