April 28, 2022

New Urban Institute research finds that in Alexandria, Virginia, residents living within one city block of a new affordable housing development will see a small, but statistically significant, increase in property value. “The fact that we don’t see any negative effect [on home prices] is really huge. Not only that, but we’re seeing a consistent positive impact,” said Christina Stacy, a lead study author. 

The Biden administration announced it will send more than $385 million to states to help households with their home energy costs. The money will be distributed through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which assists more than 5 million Americans, or about 1 in 6 eligible households.  

As part of his plan to move people experiencing homelessness off the streets, Mayor Adams announced his plans to invest $171 million in homeless services. It will go toward 1,400 specialized shelter beds, outreach efforts, drop-in centers, and more. Though some applaud the mayor’s efforts, others argue police sweeps and additional beds won’t help solve the city’s need of more permanent housing solutions.

Mobile home parks are attracting large investors for their high occupancy and profitability, but a Fresno, California, mobile home community is resisting the trend. Trails End is organizing to purchase the park to form a cooperative. “It doesn’t matter how nice the park is and how clean it is and how safe it is if nobody can live there because it’s too expensive,” said Mariah Thompson, a housing attorney with California Rural Legal Assistance who represents the tenant group.