Barbara Samuels
@bsamuels72.bsky.social
Unleashed, not retired. Fair Housing & Affordable Housing attorney. Orioles, Ravens true believer. WV mountains, Cape waters, but Baltimore is still home. Repost is not endorsement etc
Baltimore’s Inclusionary Housing Coalition has urged the City to adopt similar one-stop shop to make it easy for eligible families to apply for new IH units. but DHCD rejects recommendation. Draft regs require multiple applications, fees & waiting lists, all controlled controlled by landlords. Why?
The city of Somerville is re-opening their Consolidated Rental Waitlist. Beginning Monday, February 2, through March 2, individuals and families can apply for multiple upcoming affordable rental opportunities through the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program with a single application.
February 10, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Baltimore’s Inclusionary Housing Coalition has urged the City to adopt similar one-stop shop to make it easy for eligible families to apply for new IH units. but DHCD rejects recommendation. Draft regs require multiple applications, fees & waiting lists, all controlled controlled by landlords. Why?
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
The Washington County Indivisible County Indivisible is fighting the planned detention camp in Hagerstown. You can find them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:15 AM
The Washington County Indivisible County Indivisible is fighting the planned detention camp in Hagerstown. You can find them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Reminder: Public Comments on latest draft Baltimore City Inclusionary Housing regulation due Feb 15th. Follow link below to take action.
February 10, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Reminder: Public Comments on latest draft Baltimore City Inclusionary Housing regulation due Feb 15th. Follow link below to take action.
So has the Baltimore City Law Dept & DHCD!
City’s 3rd draft of Inclusionary Housing regs insists on gutting the law’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing mandate.
Act now! Tell DHCD it is not “reverse discrimination” to let lower income city residents know of affordable IH units in city’s White L.
City’s 3rd draft of Inclusionary Housing regs insists on gutting the law’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing mandate.
Act now! Tell DHCD it is not “reverse discrimination” to let lower income city residents know of affordable IH units in city’s White L.
Targeted marketing for a program with no racial eligibility restrictions has been upheld by even conservative courts. HUD seems to have missed this.
bit.ly/3NTD4Ek
#HousingPolicy #CivilRights
bit.ly/3NTD4Ek
#HousingPolicy #CivilRights
February 10, 2026 at 5:32 PM
So has the Baltimore City Law Dept & DHCD!
City’s 3rd draft of Inclusionary Housing regs insists on gutting the law’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing mandate.
Act now! Tell DHCD it is not “reverse discrimination” to let lower income city residents know of affordable IH units in city’s White L.
City’s 3rd draft of Inclusionary Housing regs insists on gutting the law’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing mandate.
Act now! Tell DHCD it is not “reverse discrimination” to let lower income city residents know of affordable IH units in city’s White L.
ICE is not legit, professional law enforcement. They are hired to be thugs. Ironically, the best thing real police could do to build better relationships w/ communities is to arrest ICE when they see thuggish behavior.
"Training materials and police use-of-force policies across the U.S. say such a baton can be used to hit the arms, legs and body. But striking the head, neck or spine is considered potentially deadly force."
February 9, 2026 at 9:19 PM
ICE is not legit, professional law enforcement. They are hired to be thugs. Ironically, the best thing real police could do to build better relationships w/ communities is to arrest ICE when they see thuggish behavior.
A map of Baltimore would look similar. A lot of people have been interpreting rising rents as due to “gentrification.” Less common now that there is more recognition of the widespread housing affordability crisis.
Absurd how much gentrification dominates the discourse about housing, development, and economics in Philadelphia when the city remains so predominately poor and working class.
Gentrification in Philadelphia from 1990 to 2020
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
A map of Baltimore would look similar. A lot of people have been interpreting rising rents as due to “gentrification.” Less common now that there is more recognition of the widespread housing affordability crisis.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Absurd how much gentrification dominates the discourse about housing, development, and economics in Philadelphia when the city remains so predominately poor and working class.
February 9, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Absurd how much gentrification dominates the discourse about housing, development, and economics in Philadelphia when the city remains so predominately poor and working class.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
sfha.org/housing-prog...
”One member of the applicant family must be a U.S Citizen, U.S. National or Non-Citizen w/eligible immigration status at the time the voucher is issued“
Those 6k people who will be made homeless are family members: kids, parents, elderly…
#cleaning-house
”One member of the applicant family must be a U.S Citizen, U.S. National or Non-Citizen w/eligible immigration status at the time the voucher is issued“
Those 6k people who will be made homeless are family members: kids, parents, elderly…
#cleaning-house
February 9, 2026 at 6:43 PM
sfha.org/housing-prog...
”One member of the applicant family must be a U.S Citizen, U.S. National or Non-Citizen w/eligible immigration status at the time the voucher is issued“
Those 6k people who will be made homeless are family members: kids, parents, elderly…
#cleaning-house
”One member of the applicant family must be a U.S Citizen, U.S. National or Non-Citizen w/eligible immigration status at the time the voucher is issued“
Those 6k people who will be made homeless are family members: kids, parents, elderly…
#cleaning-house
Easy but inaccurate to say HOPE VI revitalization worked. Integration is what worked. The trajectory of poor kids changed living in mixed income income HOPE VI housing located in/near mixed income n-hoods.
But not HOPE VI projects in isolated & disadvantaged n-hoods. We still dont have that answer.
But not HOPE VI projects in isolated & disadvantaged n-hoods. We still dont have that answer.
Breaking news on Public Square: "HOPE VI reduced intergenerational poverty."
A remarkable new Harvard study shows the benefits of mixed-income housing in high-poverty areas, using design based on New Urbanist principles. #HOPEVI #NewUrbanism #Housing
www.cnu.org/publicsquare...
A remarkable new Harvard study shows the benefits of mixed-income housing in high-poverty areas, using design based on New Urbanist principles. #HOPEVI #NewUrbanism #Housing
www.cnu.org/publicsquare...
HOPE VI reduced intergenerational poverty
A remarkable new Harvard study shows the benefits of mixed-income housing in high-poverty areas, using design based on New Urbanist principles.
www.cnu.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:40 AM
Easy but inaccurate to say HOPE VI revitalization worked. Integration is what worked. The trajectory of poor kids changed living in mixed income income HOPE VI housing located in/near mixed income n-hoods.
But not HOPE VI projects in isolated & disadvantaged n-hoods. We still dont have that answer.
But not HOPE VI projects in isolated & disadvantaged n-hoods. We still dont have that answer.
A must read:
If you’ve been confused by the term “financialization,” this is a pretty good -if incomplete- primer. I am confused by author’s organization calling itself “conservative” because doesn’t match its mission statement. It was conservatives & centrists (“neoliberals”) who helped fuel this after all. 1/2
Opinion | The Finance Industry Is a Grift. Let’s Start Treating It That Way.
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:56 PM
A must read:
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Three things: racism, misogyny, and narcissism. Black people are scary and/or dumb, women are valuable to the extent they are 'hot', and everyone should praise Trump to drown out the voice in his head that knows what a piece of shit he is.
February 7, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Three things: racism, misogyny, and narcissism. Black people are scary and/or dumb, women are valuable to the extent they are 'hot', and everyone should praise Trump to drown out the voice in his head that knows what a piece of shit he is.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Partisan gerrymandering should be constitutionally barred.
SCOTUS says it isn't.
Until a constitutional amendment changes that we can't have unilateral disarmament.
Which means once Republicans kicked off mid-decade redistricting this was the only possible response
SCOTUS says it isn't.
Until a constitutional amendment changes that we can't have unilateral disarmament.
Which means once Republicans kicked off mid-decade redistricting this was the only possible response
February 8, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Partisan gerrymandering should be constitutionally barred.
SCOTUS says it isn't.
Until a constitutional amendment changes that we can't have unilateral disarmament.
Which means once Republicans kicked off mid-decade redistricting this was the only possible response
SCOTUS says it isn't.
Until a constitutional amendment changes that we can't have unilateral disarmament.
Which means once Republicans kicked off mid-decade redistricting this was the only possible response
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Why would Moore want to dine with Trump, a man who just depicted 1st Black pres and spouse as apes?Moore might consider organizing a governor’s dinner In Annapolis, Baltimore, maybe discuss how to address ice, crime etc.
February 8, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Why would Moore want to dine with Trump, a man who just depicted 1st Black pres and spouse as apes?Moore might consider organizing a governor’s dinner In Annapolis, Baltimore, maybe discuss how to address ice, crime etc.
Heads up Maryland! Is a new $15-18B Bay Bridge replacement on autopilot? When did we decide getting to our beach vacation a bit faster was our #1 priority? Above a real transit system? Or new schools? Or ending child poverty? Fixing all the vacants in Baltimore?
www.bizjournals.com/washington/n...
www.bizjournals.com/washington/n...
Multibillion-dollar plan to replace Chesapeake Bay Bridge advances - Washington Business Journal
The plan to replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridge just took a huge step forward.
www.bizjournals.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Heads up Maryland! Is a new $15-18B Bay Bridge replacement on autopilot? When did we decide getting to our beach vacation a bit faster was our #1 priority? Above a real transit system? Or new schools? Or ending child poverty? Fixing all the vacants in Baltimore?
www.bizjournals.com/washington/n...
www.bizjournals.com/washington/n...
Nothing says suburban like an HOA. HoCo’s large lot (1+ acre) zoning that permits HOAs & McMansions on septic, promising resort-style living is not is NOT rural preservation. It is sprawl! And when it is a midway commute to DC & Baltimore, why is it outside the PFA growth boundary?
redf.in/qPsVjY
redf.in/qPsVjY
11678 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 - 4 beds/4 baths
(BRIGHT MLS) For Sale: 4 beds, 4 baths ∙ 6619 sq. ft. ∙ 11678 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 ∙ $1,800,000 ∙ MLS# MDHW2063018 ∙ Resort-Caliber Custom Rancher with Architectural Drama, Chef&rsquo...
redf.in
February 8, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Nothing says suburban like an HOA. HoCo’s large lot (1+ acre) zoning that permits HOAs & McMansions on septic, promising resort-style living is not is NOT rural preservation. It is sprawl! And when it is a midway commute to DC & Baltimore, why is it outside the PFA growth boundary?
redf.in/qPsVjY
redf.in/qPsVjY
Affordability, especially affordable housing is important. But so are jobs. Moving often less a matter of choice as decisions by corporate employers. E.g Homes in Binghamton NY metro are plenty affordable but 30 yrs ago IBM moved thousands of high skill tech jobs to Raleigh & Austin.
Americans voted with their feet in 2025. 🧳📊
States like SC, NC & Idaho are gaining residents, while high-cost states continue to see outflows. Affordability + housing supply are driving the next wave of growth.
Read more 👇
medium.com/@daniel_1479...
#RealEstate #Housing #Migration #Growth
States like SC, NC & Idaho are gaining residents, while high-cost states continue to see outflows. Affordability + housing supply are driving the next wave of growth.
Read more 👇
medium.com/@daniel_1479...
#RealEstate #Housing #Migration #Growth
Where Americans Moved in 2025 — And What It Says About the Future of Growth
The Big Winners: The Carolinas and Idaho
medium.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Affordability, especially affordable housing is important. But so are jobs. Moving often less a matter of choice as decisions by corporate employers. E.g Homes in Binghamton NY metro are plenty affordable but 30 yrs ago IBM moved thousands of high skill tech jobs to Raleigh & Austin.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
We’ve got GREAT men here, but it’s overwhelmingly women caring for our community. On top of jobs & parenting.
I have hemorrhaged time & money on food, rental assistance, toys & books, grocery runs, & GoFundMe’s. And I’m not doing nearly as much as other women.
www.glamour.com/story/the-wo...
I have hemorrhaged time & money on food, rental assistance, toys & books, grocery runs, & GoFundMe’s. And I’m not doing nearly as much as other women.
www.glamour.com/story/the-wo...
The Women Holding Minneapolis Together
In Minnesota, a community is coming together to push back against ICE and support their neighbors. It should surprise no one that much of this work is being led by women. Glamour reports from the fron...
www.glamour.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:40 PM
We’ve got GREAT men here, but it’s overwhelmingly women caring for our community. On top of jobs & parenting.
I have hemorrhaged time & money on food, rental assistance, toys & books, grocery runs, & GoFundMe’s. And I’m not doing nearly as much as other women.
www.glamour.com/story/the-wo...
I have hemorrhaged time & money on food, rental assistance, toys & books, grocery runs, & GoFundMe’s. And I’m not doing nearly as much as other women.
www.glamour.com/story/the-wo...
Baltimore City had front loaders & huge dump trucks out last nite clearing away mountains of 10 day old snowcrete. On my block from 6pm until past midnite. At this rate…
February 7, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Baltimore City had front loaders & huge dump trucks out last nite clearing away mountains of 10 day old snowcrete. On my block from 6pm until past midnite. At this rate…
Most urbanists posting on social media are focused on a small handful of cities & extrapolate from there. Superstar or younger, elastic Sunbelt cities. Almost never concerned with Legacy or Rust Belt cities. Pete Saunders substack is for the rest of us, especially the Rust Belt.
My latest at CSY. When "out of sight and out of mind, until the new overwhelms the old" becomes the predominant urban development pattern.
open.substack.com/pub/petesaun...
open.substack.com/pub/petesaun...
Cities Within Cities, Part 1
When "out of sight and out of mind, until the new overwhelms the old" becomes the predominant urban development pattern.
open.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Most urbanists posting on social media are focused on a small handful of cities & extrapolate from there. Superstar or younger, elastic Sunbelt cities. Almost never concerned with Legacy or Rust Belt cities. Pete Saunders substack is for the rest of us, especially the Rust Belt.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
HUD is scolding Boston & Minneapolis for advancing fair housing—despite decades of court cases backing their approach.
Why this matters for cities everywhere ⤵️
bit.ly/3NTD4Ek
#FairHousing #AFFH #HousingJustice
Why this matters for cities everywhere ⤵️
bit.ly/3NTD4Ek
#FairHousing #AFFH #HousingJustice
HUD Scolds Boston and Minneapolis for Doing What It Says It Wants Done
Investigations into the fair housing practices of Boston and Minneapolis contradict race-neutral guidance from the Supreme Court.
bit.ly
February 6, 2026 at 5:03 PM
HUD is scolding Boston & Minneapolis for advancing fair housing—despite decades of court cases backing their approach.
Why this matters for cities everywhere ⤵️
bit.ly/3NTD4Ek
#FairHousing #AFFH #HousingJustice
Why this matters for cities everywhere ⤵️
bit.ly/3NTD4Ek
#FairHousing #AFFH #HousingJustice
Well said: “The choice isn’t between housing production and housing justice. It is between simplistic solutions and durable ones.”
Beware true believers of all stripes who keep trying to insist on either/or policy choices.
Beware true believers of all stripes who keep trying to insist on either/or policy choices.
Philanthropy is encouraged to weigh in on ideas for building more affordable housing, with deregulation touted as the best strategy. Instead, the author argues, they should support housing production, tenant protections, and zoning reform. Read more, tell us what you think.
Philanthropy Cannot Solve the Housing Crisis by Defunding Justice
That funders should stop supporting housing justice organizations in the name of boosting production is a “false and ultimately destructive choice,” guest author Quintin Mecke writes.
buff.ly
February 7, 2026 at 5:36 AM
Well said: “The choice isn’t between housing production and housing justice. It is between simplistic solutions and durable ones.”
Beware true believers of all stripes who keep trying to insist on either/or policy choices.
Beware true believers of all stripes who keep trying to insist on either/or policy choices.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk became the first high-ranking official to ask the question on everyone’s mind — Was convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein working with Russia?
He added that Poland would investigate possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence services.
He added that Poland would investigate possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence services.
Epstein's Russia connections, explained
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk became the first high-ranking official to ask the question on everyone’s mind — Was convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein working with Russia?
He added that Poland ...
kyivindependent.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk became the first high-ranking official to ask the question on everyone’s mind — Was convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein working with Russia?
He added that Poland would investigate possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence services.
He added that Poland would investigate possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence services.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
NEW: Trump's coup is almost complete. And the attack on the press is a central piece of it. Bezos's gutting of the Washington Post cannot be allowed to be just another blip in the news cycle.
We are all going to have to fight for a free and independent press.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
We are all going to have to fight for a free and independent press.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Fight!
Fuck Bezos. The Washington Post can and must rise again.
open.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 11:17 AM
NEW: Trump's coup is almost complete. And the attack on the press is a central piece of it. Bezos's gutting of the Washington Post cannot be allowed to be just another blip in the news cycle.
We are all going to have to fight for a free and independent press.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
We are all going to have to fight for a free and independent press.
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Bad bill. We dont consider low income children a “specified group” for access to federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit housing so why their mid-income teachers? Instead, get rid of local land use barriers blocking mid-class housing.
February 6, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Bad bill. We dont consider low income children a “specified group” for access to federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit housing so why their mid-income teachers? Instead, get rid of local land use barriers blocking mid-class housing.