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
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
DCPS is a rare urban public school system where white enrollment is rising, and many individual schools are becoming more integrated.
dclocal.substack.com/p/how-and-wh...
dclocal.substack.com/p/how-and-wh...
How and where DCPS demographics are shifting
White families are actually enrolling in DCPS — bucking the national trend where gentrification bypasses public schools. What's driving it, and what it means.
dclocal.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:48 PM
DCPS is a rare urban public school system where white enrollment is rising, and many individual schools are becoming more integrated.
dclocal.substack.com/p/how-and-wh...
dclocal.substack.com/p/how-and-wh...
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Ossoff: "Among today's false prophets are the election deniers who indulge this president's obsession with overturning the 2020 election. Hear me when I say this -- they tell a lie so absurd, and therefore so debasing, that the act of telling it proves the teller's total and humiliating submission."
February 16, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Ossoff: "Among today's false prophets are the election deniers who indulge this president's obsession with overturning the 2020 election. Hear me when I say this -- they tell a lie so absurd, and therefore so debasing, that the act of telling it proves the teller's total and humiliating submission."
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
VERSION 2.0 of the Segregation Tracking Project is here!
New data on racial and economic segregation between neighborhoods and schools over the last 30+ years for every school district, metro area, state, county, congressional district (new!), and more!
edopportunity.org/segregation/
New data on racial and economic segregation between neighborhoods and schools over the last 30+ years for every school district, metro area, state, county, congressional district (new!), and more!
edopportunity.org/segregation/
The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford | The Segregation Tracking Project
Use our visualizations to explore educational opportunity in your school & community.
edopportunity.org
February 16, 2026 at 3:59 PM
VERSION 2.0 of the Segregation Tracking Project is here!
New data on racial and economic segregation between neighborhoods and schools over the last 30+ years for every school district, metro area, state, county, congressional district (new!), and more!
edopportunity.org/segregation/
New data on racial and economic segregation between neighborhoods and schools over the last 30+ years for every school district, metro area, state, county, congressional district (new!), and more!
edopportunity.org/segregation/
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
$38B to repurpose warehouses as immigrant prisons with dormitories and cafeterias.
But for developing affordable housing, there is less than $15B in the FY26 HUD budget.
In addition to a housing crisis, we have a crisis of wrong priorities.
thedailyrecord.com/2026/02/13/i...
But for developing affordable housing, there is less than $15B in the FY26 HUD budget.
In addition to a housing crisis, we have a crisis of wrong priorities.
thedailyrecord.com/2026/02/13/i...
ICE plans $38B warehouse network for immigrant detention
ICE aims to convert 16 warehouses, including in Maryland, into detention centers, holding tens of thousands of immigrants nationwide.
thedailyrecord.com
February 16, 2026 at 4:16 PM
$38B to repurpose warehouses as immigrant prisons with dormitories and cafeterias.
But for developing affordable housing, there is less than $15B in the FY26 HUD budget.
In addition to a housing crisis, we have a crisis of wrong priorities.
thedailyrecord.com/2026/02/13/i...
But for developing affordable housing, there is less than $15B in the FY26 HUD budget.
In addition to a housing crisis, we have a crisis of wrong priorities.
thedailyrecord.com/2026/02/13/i...
Close in location just 5 minutes beyond Beltway w/ “quick access to Baltimore Harbor…top-rated schools, fine dining, shopping, and country clubs”—so why is it outside the URDL? What rationale for permitting are 7 BR/9 bath, 10 sq ft SF “estates” on septic but all others excluded?
redf.in/nN0QWo
redf.in/nN0QWo
10606 Candlewick Rd, Stevenson, MD 21153 - 7 beds/7.5 baths
(BRIGHT MLS) For Sale: 7 beds, 7.5 baths ∙ 9022 sq. ft. ∙ 10606 Candlewick Rd, Stevenson, MD 21153 ∙ $2,500,000 ∙ MLS# MDBC2136808 ∙ OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY 2/22/26 12 - 2 PM Welcome home, a rare gem in th...
redf.in
February 16, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Close in location just 5 minutes beyond Beltway w/ “quick access to Baltimore Harbor…top-rated schools, fine dining, shopping, and country clubs”—so why is it outside the URDL? What rationale for permitting are 7 BR/9 bath, 10 sq ft SF “estates” on septic but all others excluded?
redf.in/nN0QWo
redf.in/nN0QWo
Built in 2008 & “nestled in the heart of the ever sought after Lutherville” on 3 acres south of Padonia Rd. Why is this close in HOA n-hood still outside the URDL & on septic? Must be exclusion, because it sure isnt for preservation of farm or forest.
redf.in/qJf4mY
redf.in/qJf4mY
1011 Coachford Ct, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 - 5 beds/5.5 baths
(BRIGHT MLS) For Sale: 5 beds, 5.5 baths ∙ 10218 sq. ft. ∙ 1011 Coachford Ct, Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093 ∙ $2,250,000 ∙ MLS# MDBC2142134 ∙ * * * NEW PRICE * * * DREAM BIG! Welcome to 1011 Co...
redf.in
February 15, 2026 at 10:29 PM
Built in 2008 & “nestled in the heart of the ever sought after Lutherville” on 3 acres south of Padonia Rd. Why is this close in HOA n-hood still outside the URDL & on septic? Must be exclusion, because it sure isnt for preservation of farm or forest.
redf.in/qJf4mY
redf.in/qJf4mY
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
"Some of the sharpest applause came when Conway warned that legislation alone would not constrain Trump. 'We can pass the ‘Everything is Better’ bill… And he’s going to ignore it... He is not going to obey the law, because he doesn’t. He’s a criminal, and we have to put an end to [his presidency]."
February 13, 2026 at 10:16 PM
"Some of the sharpest applause came when Conway warned that legislation alone would not constrain Trump. 'We can pass the ‘Everything is Better’ bill… And he’s going to ignore it... He is not going to obey the law, because he doesn’t. He’s a criminal, and we have to put an end to [his presidency]."
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
“There are places where it is appropriate to build housing, and I don’t believe this is one of them.”
Every time someone in a tony suburban community says something like this, they need to be pushed to say where it IS appropriate. Don’t let them off the hook. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/15/b...
Every time someone in a tony suburban community says something like this, they need to be pushed to say where it IS appropriate. Don’t let them off the hook. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/15/b...
The state wants to build housing on a parking lot in Wellesley. Residents are up in arms. - The Boston Globe
A proposal to build apartments near MassBay Community College has sparked a local backlash, illustrating how housing can be immensely complicated in Massachusetts.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 15, 2026 at 2:59 PM
“There are places where it is appropriate to build housing, and I don’t believe this is one of them.”
Every time someone in a tony suburban community says something like this, they need to be pushed to say where it IS appropriate. Don’t let them off the hook. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/15/b...
Every time someone in a tony suburban community says something like this, they need to be pushed to say where it IS appropriate. Don’t let them off the hook. www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/15/b...
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
🔥 REP. @aoc.bsky.social IN MUNICH: “Extreme levels of inequality lead to a sense of instability and drive the ascent of authoritarianism… we have to have a working class-centered politics if we’re going to succeed and stave off the scourge of authoritarianism.”
February 13, 2026 at 7:14 PM
🔥 REP. @aoc.bsky.social IN MUNICH: “Extreme levels of inequality lead to a sense of instability and drive the ascent of authoritarianism… we have to have a working class-centered politics if we’re going to succeed and stave off the scourge of authoritarianism.”
Want to support housing affordability in Maryland? Starter homes? Downsizing options for seniors? Tell your Delegates & Senator to support the Guv’s “ Starter & Silver Homes Act.” See below for more info.
Don’t believe me? Just ask @justupthepike.bsky.social who gave fantastic testimony on the bill today for @ggwash.org ggwash.org/view/102355/...
Our testimony on the Starter and Silver Homes Act
We’re supporting Governor Moore’s Starter and Silver Homes Act, which will make it easier to build more homes for more budgets in Maryland neighborhoods. Here’s what we’ll say at Thursday’s public hea...
ggwash.org
February 13, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Want to support housing affordability in Maryland? Starter homes? Downsizing options for seniors? Tell your Delegates & Senator to support the Guv’s “ Starter & Silver Homes Act.” See below for more info.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
Help us protect Maryland tenants who use vouchers to pay their rent, and close the HOME Act loophole! econaction.org/legislative/...
Take Action to Protect Tenants! Close the HOME Act Loophole! | Economic Action MD Fund
Some landlords are exploiting a loophole to the HOME Act and use credit history or income information to refuse to rent to voucher holders.
econaction.org
February 13, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Help us protect Maryland tenants who use vouchers to pay their rent, and close the HOME Act loophole! econaction.org/legislative/...
Councilman Kach thimbing his nose at days he doesnt care Gov Moore & Housing Sec’y Day think about him blocking the Lutherville TOD project. Would love to see Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown similarly enforce Fair Housing laws against a recalcitrant Baltimore County.
Massachusetts is in a housing crisis – every community in the state has a responsibility to step up and do their part.
The courts have been clear: compliance with the MBTA Communities Law is mandatory. My office will assist any town working to come into compliance.
The courts have been clear: compliance with the MBTA Communities Law is mandatory. My office will assist any town working to come into compliance.
February 11, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Councilman Kach thimbing his nose at days he doesnt care Gov Moore & Housing Sec’y Day think about him blocking the Lutherville TOD project. Would love to see Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown similarly enforce Fair Housing laws against a recalcitrant Baltimore County.
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
“The Fair Housing Act protects virtually every consumer. By taking away these protections, they are making our fair and affordable #housing crisis even worse.”
@sjccorn.bsky.social
@sjccorn.bsky.social
February 11, 2026 at 8:16 PM
“The Fair Housing Act protects virtually every consumer. By taking away these protections, they are making our fair and affordable #housing crisis even worse.”
@sjccorn.bsky.social
@sjccorn.bsky.social
Everyone knows about the weather in Baltimore County’s Hereford Zone. But thanks to the URDL its also known for its 90%white schools & n-hoods, i.e. “Blue Ribbon Schools & desirable community.”https://redf.in/8dhrl1
211 Kali Ct, Parkton, MD 21120 - 5 beds/4.5 baths
(BRIGHT MLS) For Sale: 5 beds, 4.5 baths ∙ 3913 sq. ft. ∙ 211 Kali Ct, Parkton, MD 21120 ∙ $926,500 ∙ MLS# MDBC2142620 ∙ Welcome to 211 Kali Court! Lovingly built and beautifully maintained by the ori...
redf.in
February 11, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Everyone knows about the weather in Baltimore County’s Hereford Zone. But thanks to the URDL its also known for its 90%white schools & n-hoods, i.e. “Blue Ribbon Schools & desirable community.”https://redf.in/8dhrl1
Reposted by Barbara Samuels
This article asks the simple question, "We must ask the critics of inclusionary housing a specific, uncomfortable question: If we eliminate these requirements tomorrow, will the private market build a single unit affordable to a janitor?"
What Critics Get Wrong About Inclusionary Housing
Development should come with affordability. Here's the case for inclusionary housing, and why opponents aren't seeing the full picture.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 5:05 PM
This article asks the simple question, "We must ask the critics of inclusionary housing a specific, uncomfortable question: If we eliminate these requirements tomorrow, will the private market build a single unit affordable to a janitor?"
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: