No zoning code? That’s a problem, one Virginia city discovered.

Procedural missteps can derail even well-supported measures to eliminate single-family zoning — a problem Charlottesville, Virginia, is now addressing.

By Danielle McLean • July 31, 2025

Senate tackles housing affordability crisis with bipartisan bill

Mayors applauded the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act proposal to speed housing development, cut red tape and fund local innovation. 

By Ryan Kushner • July 30, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Capital One delivers few details on $265B community plan

Local officials are still waiting for clarity on how the community investment proposal, part of the card issuer’s effort to acquire Discover Financial, will play out in their neighborhoods.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 30, 2025

Criminalizing homelessness doesn’t work, study finds

As federal policy shifts toward punishment, a new study calls on cities to reconsider enforcement-based approaches in favor of housing and care.

By Lori Tobias • July 28, 2025

Maine clears the way for more multifamily housing, ADUs

New laws in Maine ban parking minimums and relax zoning rules as it joins a growing list of states adopting top-down strategies to drive housing growth.

By Danielle McLean • July 23, 2025

How big-box retail projects can help support affordable housing

Architect Yanitza Brongers-Marrero looks to an upcoming Costco-anchored mixed-use project in Los Angeles as a model for financing and public benefit.

By Mary Salmonsen • July 14, 2025

End of tax incentive in Trump’s new policy bill could derail office conversions

Although the deduction is about making commercial buildings energy efficient, it’s been key to owners’ willingness to invest in obsolete and financially distressed properties, supporters say.

By Robert Freedman • July 11, 2025

California walks back environmental law for housing, high-speed rail

The changes to the California Environmental Quality Act could greatly speed up the issuance of building permits.

By Matthew Thibault • July 8, 2025

New Texas law allows apartments in some nonresidential zones

Senate Bill 840 requires local governments to approve any project that meets its qualifications.

By Mary Salmonsen • July 7, 2025

How the ‘big beautiful bill’ could impact affordable housing construction

Low-income housing tax credits, opportunity zones and state regulation of algorithmic rent-setting tools all face changes in the massive budget bill passed by the Senate.

By Danielle McLean • June 27, 2025

Multifamily construction migrates to less populous areas, housing association says

There isn’t just one catalyst behind the trend, experts say.

By Leslie Shaver • June 24, 2025

HUD green retrofit grant recipients in limbo after funding upheaval

While HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program gave out almost 270 awards, only 20 projects received funding before it was halted, according to an attorney.

By Mary Salmonsen • June 23, 2025

Municipalities tap AI for permitting

Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, are using the technology to cut wait times. Honolulu promises its use also will result in faster responses.

By Matthew Thibault • June 20, 2025

Proposed HUD cuts threaten local progress on homelessness

Programs helping homeless veterans and other chronically unhoused residents could collapse without federal support, local leaders say.

By Austyn Gaffney • June 20, 2025

How the potential end of Energy Star could affect apartment operators

The widely used program's demise could lead to a massive disruption in building operations, according to experts.

By Mary Salmonsen • June 17, 2025

Tiny apartments a big deal in many US cities

In Seattle and Boston, over half of the new units underway measure less than 441 square feet.

By Mary Salmonsen • June 12, 2025

Apartment rents begin to recover in high-supply metro areas

Western and Sun Belt markets have posted month-over-month gains following long-term declines.

By Mary Salmonsen • June 9, 2025

W.C. Smith to pay $1M in DC apartment pricing suit

The settlement also requires the firm to reform its business practices in order to resolve allegations that it conspired with other District landlords via RealPage’s software.

By Leslie Shaver • June 6, 2025

Iowa ADU law aims to address housing shortage

It joins a growing number of state and local governments lifting restrictions on accessory dwellings in areas zoned for single-family housing.

By Ryan Kushner • May 29, 2025

Cities sue Colorado over housing reform laws

Similar legal challenges over housing policy and development autonomy are unfolding in California and Massachusetts, potentially reshaping state-local power dynamics.

By Danielle McLean • May 27, 2025

Boston unveils new path to first-time homeownership

A groundbreaking program lets families team up to buy multi-unit homes under a single mortgage, making ownership possible in an increasingly unaffordable market.

By Danielle McLean • May 21, 2025

Reimagining ‘managed retreat’ in a new reality

As federal disaster support evaporates and climate risks intensify, officials and experts say cities should lead with community-centered, forward-looking solutions.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 20, 2025

Washington governor signs rent control into law

The new measure sets a 7% plus interest limit on rent increases, capped at 10%.

By Mary Salmonsen • May 14, 2025

Tariff concerns mean uncertainty for multifamily housing, industry economist says

Former RealPage Chief Economist Jay Parsons unpacks the future impacts of supply, rent growth and rent control legislation.

By Mary Salmonsen • May 7, 2025

Silicon Valley apartments anticipate return-to-office housing needs

Adjacent to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the development features housing, parks, bike lanes, restaurants and shops.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 5, 2025