Senators call for changes to ‘inefficient’ disaster recovery funding program

The status quo leaves disaster-struck communities in the lurch as they wait for Congress to OK recovery funds, experts said at a Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 18, 2023

Disney unveils plans for second Storyliving community

The entertainment giant’s master-planned community near Raleigh, North Carolina, will include a mix of more than 4,000 multifamily and single-family homes.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 15, 2023

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

The 5 hottest neighborhoods for multifamily development

These areas have seen the largest share of new apartment units over the last several years as residents are drawn in by a lively mix of restaurants, retail spots, museums and more.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 14, 2023

More climate-friendly housing, faster, is the goal of NYC proposal to speed environmental reviews

Each eligible housing project could save an average of $100,000 and two years of review time, the city estimates.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 14, 2023

Public housing residents get free college advising in LA program

The “no-barrier” program, open to residents of any age or educational attainment, provides mentors and other guidance.

By Kalena Thomhave • Dec. 12, 2023

HUD announces new building decarbonization efforts at COP28

As the U.S. pledges to make near-zero-emissions buildings the “new normal” by 2030, the housing agency is teaming up with other departments for access to the best available data and research.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 7, 2023

Kansas City, Missouri, proposal would ban discrimination based on housing vouchers

The city could join more than 120 jurisdictions that outlaw providers from denying housing due to a renter’s source of income.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 6, 2023

New housing slows regional rent growth: NYU researchers

Critics of new construction as a way to boost affordable housing worry about gentrification and displacement. A new report counters such arguments.

By Mary Salmonsen • Dec. 6, 2023

Which housing policies do Americans really want in their cities and states?

Despite the outsized negative feedback some policies to boost housing supply receive at public meetings, new Pew survey results reveal bipartisan support.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 4, 2023

Office-to-residential conversion costs can be 30% lower than new construction: Gensler

However, only 25% of the office buildings the firm assessed for adaptive reuse were deemed suitable for conversion, according to the analysis. 

By Nish Amarnath • Nov. 21, 2023

75% of companies plan to cut office space in 2024

Of more than 500 business owners and facilities managers surveyed, 82% are concerned about their ability to retain current office space, according to a report from workspace platform provider Robin.

By Nish Amarnath • Nov. 10, 2023

LA hotels won’t be required to house homeless people as city rethinks ballot measure

The Los Angeles City Council proposed a revised version after striking a deal with the union of hospitality workers sponsoring the measure.

By Noelle Mateer • Nov. 3, 2023

‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ law aims to help battle California’s housing crisis

The recently signed bill allows religious groups and nonprofit colleges to build affordable housing on their land without strict adherence to zoning standards. 

By Ellia Thompson • Oct. 31, 2023

White House advances office-to-residential conversions with new resources

The guidance, financing and technical assistance aim to address a 30-year high in office vacancies and ease the affordable housing crisis.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 30, 2023

How builders can help lead the way on affordable housing for LGBTQ+ elders

SAGE’s National LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Initiative gives builders and developers access to the support they need to build better homes for a community that is disproportionately impacted by housing discrimination and insecurity.  

Oct. 30, 2023

8 cities to install public art projects with Bloomberg Philanthropies grants

The winners include Houston, which aims to “disrupt perceptions of homelessness,” and Phoenix, which will commission artists to create shading and cooling installations.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Oct. 20, 2023

DC lost its spot as a top city for office-to-residential conversions. It wants it back.

While the pace of adaptive reuse projects has slowed, the city is offering incentives to bring more housing to the urban core.

By Mary Salmonsen • Oct. 18, 2023

Colleges can take steps to address the affordable housing crisis

From contributing underutilized land to tapping government support, institutions can help alleviate the problem — and get a return on their investment. 

By Eric Maribojoc • Oct. 17, 2023

NYC project looks to support climate law with building inspection tech

The AI-powered technology under development uses robots and drone scans to detect structural flaws that reduce energy efficiency.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 16, 2023

Notable 2024 conferences for smart city leaders

Newly added events focus on traffic safety, technology and green infrastructure.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Updated Aug. 2, 2024

Will LA hotels be required to house homeless people alongside their guests?

The Responsible Hotels Ordinance, if enacted, would require every hotel in Los Angeles to report its vacancies to the municipal government.

By Noelle Mateer • Oct. 4, 2023

US Census reports shift in top reasons for moving

Family-related moves have become more common, bouncing back from a COVID-era drop.

By Mary Salmonsen • Sept. 29, 2023

Unused parking adds over $2M to typical multifamily projects: study

New Jersey should adopt new parking ratio standards that better align with usage, a Rutgers University white paper proposes.

By Mary Salmonsen • Sept. 27, 2023

Boston launches pilot to help small housing owners go electric

Two- to four-unit buildings are the city’s most common building type. Boston hopes the new grant program will yield lessons on scaling up building decarbonization.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Sept. 22, 2023

Airbnb’s marketing touts short-term rental benefits as local restrictions tighten

Restrictions such as New York’s Local Law 18 may have a greater impact on the city’s residents and tourism economy than on the company.

By Aaron Baar • Sept. 20, 2023