Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Thurston County directs staff to draft detached ADU cap of 50 with annual review

December 26, 2025 at 10:34 AM

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

Thurston County is taking action to cap detached accessory dwelling units at 50 per year, sparking a crucial annual review to address community needs!

Learn more here

#ThurstonCounty #WA #UrbanPlanning #ThurstonCountyHousing #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 16 to direct staff to draft ordinance language capping permitted detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at 50 per year and to add an annual review to the county's permit-review docket so staff can report trends and recommend adjustments.

Council hears update on challenged HUD NOFO; judge granted preliminary injunction and local planning paused

December 25, 2025 at 7:46 AM

Citizen Portal News Tennessee

@citizenptnewstn.bsky.social

A recent court ruling has halted the controversial HUD funding guidelines, leaving local planning in limbo and igniting concerns over the future of supportive housing.

Get the details!

#TN #CommunityPlanning #LegalChallenges #TennesseeHomelessness #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Council was briefed that a recently issued HUD NOFO contained contested terms and that plaintiffs secured a preliminary injunction; local competition planning was paused pending written court orders and further guidance, and a new NOFO was released late Friday that HUD says it will not implement while litigation proceeds.

Cook County HRA reviews vacation‑rental growth, enforcement and mapping plans

December 24, 2025 at 10:43 PM

Andy Yan

@ayan604.bsky.social

Want to learn about the fundamentals of #housing policy?

What is affordable housing, who should be responsible + how and where to make it happen?

Consider taking @sfucity.bsky.social CITY102: #HousingPolicy Fundamentals

Starts Tues, Jan 20 | 6pm PST| Online | www.sfu.ca/continuing-s...

City Program

www.sfu.ca

December 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM

Brian Phillips, CRS

@themobilebroker.bsky.social

What if your NYC apartment is rent stabilized and you don’t even know it 🏙️🔍
Starting in 2026 a new law will require clearer disclosure so renters can verify their legal rent. Transparency not new rules.
👉🏾 t.ly/drz-K
#NYCHousing #RentStabilized #NYCRentals #HousingPolicy

December 24, 2025 at 5:55 PM

Citizen Portal News Minnesota

@citizenptnewsmn.bsky.social

Cook County's vacation rental program is booming, with new fees and advanced compliance tools shaking up the landscape as operators face crucial deadlines ahead!

Learn more here

#CookCounty #MN #CivicAccountability #CookCountyVacationRentals #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Cook County presented updated data showing steady growth in licensed vacation rentals, fee increases tied to higher revenue, and new enforcement and GIS tools; staff warned a threshold of 395 rentals will trigger a reconvened committee to study density and policy changes.

Middletown council refers short‑term rental tax/classification issue to tax committee after lengthy debate

December 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM

Citizen Portal News Rhode Island

@citizenptnewsri.bsky.social

Middletown’s council is diving deep into the controversial short-term rental debate, as residents face steep tax hikes for registrations that never saw the light of day.

Get the details!

#RI #ShortTermRentals #RhodeIslandPropertyOwners #TaxReform #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Councilors debated grandfathered short‑term rental registrations, owner‑occupancy rules and a two‑tier tax classification that has left some full‑time residents paying the higher nonresident rate. The council voted to send the matter to the Tax Exploration Committee for recommendations.

Oxnard updates ADU rules to align with state law while retaining local design controls

December 24, 2025 at 2:20 AM

Citizen Portal News California

@citizenptnewsca.bsky.social

Oxnard City Council just took a major step to enhance housing options by updating ADU rules, blending state mandates with local design standards for a better community!

Click to read more!

#OxnardCityVenturaCounty #CA #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform #OxnardADUs #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

The council adopted zoning and permit‑procedure changes to clarify accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules, keep selected local design standards, and streamline permits while complying with state requirements; council also discussed parking exemptions and outreach.

Committee advances zoning changes that limit home heights in many single- and two-family zones after heated debate

December 24, 2025 at 1:40 AM

Citizen Portal News Tennessee

@citizenptnewstn.bsky.social

Major zoning changes in Nashville could reshape the skyline and housing landscape—will these new height limits foster community or stifle development?

Click to read more!

#TN #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #TennesseeZoning #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

After extended debate and multiple amendments, the Planning & Zoning Committee recommended approval of BL 2025-1006 to amend Title 17 height rules for RS and single-family zones, adding exemptions for the downtown core and review requirements; committee votes varied across amendments before approving the bill as amended.

DeBary adopts resolution to conditionally withhold Live Local Act exemptions pending Schimberg report

December 23, 2025 at 6:11 AM

Citizen Portal News Florida

@citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social

DeBary has taken a significant step by adopting a resolution that could reshape property tax exemptions for certain apartment complexes, pending the Schimberg report's findings on housing density!

Click to read more!

#FL #DeBaryHousing #TaxExemption #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Council approved Resolution 2025-24 making a contingent finding under Florida statutes—based on the forthcoming 2025 Schimberg Center report—to not exempt certain properties from the Live Local Act ad valorem tax exemption; resolution preserves existing exemptions and establishes a contingent effective date.

Albany council weighs real property transfer tax and business-license study as possible revenue sources

December 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM

Citizen Portal News California

@citizenptnewsca.bsky.social

Albany officials are considering a real property transfer tax that could reshape local housing dynamics, sparking debate over its potential impact on the community.

Get the details!

#AlbanyCityAlamedaCounty #CA #AlbanyCity #RevenueStrategy #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

City staff outlined options for a real property transfer tax and a business-license tax study on Dec. 15; staff recommended choices on tiering and indexing while urging council direction on revenue targets. A local real-estate industry group urged caution, calling transfer taxes volatile and harmful to housing mobility.

Paramount staff to introduce ordinance to prohibit short‑term rentals; council sets Jan. 13 adoption hearing

December 20, 2025 at 9:34 PM

Citizen Portal News California

@citizenptnewsca.bsky.social

The Paramount council is set to ban short-term rentals like Airbnbs in residential zones, following community support and regional trends.

Click to read more!

#ParamountLosAngelesCounty #CA #UrbanPlanning #ParamountShortTermRentals #CommunityInput #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Planning staff returned with an ordinance (12‑11) to more explicitly prohibit short‑term rentals citywide in residential zones and certain nonconforming properties; council introduced the ordinance and placed it on the Jan. 13 agenda for adoption.

Peoria presents 2025 housing assessment under SB 1162, flags widespread cost burden

December 20, 2025 at 7:27 PM

Citizen Portal News Arizona

@citizenptnewsaz.bsky.social

Peoria's 2025 housing needs assessment reveals that nearly half of renters are cost-burdened, prompting urgent policy discussions for affordable housing solutions.

Click to read more!

#PeoriaMaricopaCounty #AZ #CostBurden #PeoriaHousing #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

City staff presented the 2025 housing needs assessment required by SB 1162, reporting about 40% of households earn at or below 80% of area median income and that nearly half of renters are cost-burdened; staff outlined policy options including a local housing trust fund and promised a fuller policy package in spring 2026.

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 Becomes Law - Revolutionary Housing and Energy Reforms

December 20, 2025 at 5:26 PM

Brian Phillips, CRS

@themobilebroker.bsky.social

🏙️ NYC’s rent freeze fight just moved from campaign talk to boardroom power 📊
Late Rent Guidelines Board appointments by Mayor Adams could shape whether Mayor elect Mamdani can actually freeze rents. Read more 👇🏾
t.ly/7D4cz

#NYCHousing #RentStabilization #HousingPolicy #NYCPolitics #AffordableHousing

December 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM

UK Politics Decoded Editorial Team

@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

📈 Expected outcomes:

- £7.5bn boost to UK economy
- Thousands of jobs
- Faster clean energy rollout
- More affordable housing

This Act reshapes how Britain builds.

🧵 End. Full explainer: ukpoliticsdecoded.uk/decoded-news...

#UKEconomy #Jobs #EnergySecurity #HousingPolicy #Infrastructure

The landmark Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 becomes law, targeting 1.5 million homes and fast-tracking 150 major infrastructure projects.

ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

December 19, 2025 at 8:58 AM

UK Politics Decoded Editorial Team

@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

🏗️ Landmark law: the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 is now live.

It rewrites UK planning rules to fast‑track housing, clean energy, and major projects.

🔍 Full explainer: ukpoliticsdecoded.uk/decoded-news...

#UKPolitics #PlanningReform #HousingPolicy #CleanEnergy #Infrastructure

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 Becomes Law - Revolutionary Housing and Energy Reforms

The landmark Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 becomes law, targeting 1.5 million homes and fast-tracking 150 major infrastructure projects.

ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

December 19, 2025 at 8:58 AM

Brian Phillips, CRS

@themobilebroker.bsky.social

NYC just passed major housing bills, but the fight is only beginning 🏙️⚖️
Mayor Adams may veto, and even Mayor elect Mamdani has concerns about slowing housing production. Affordability and supply are colliding at City Hall.
🔗 t.ly/9Vx6m
#NYCHousing #HousingPolicy #NYCPolitics

December 19, 2025 at 8:51 AM

Citizen Portal News Ohio

@citizenptnewsoh.bsky.social

A potential HUD funding shift could slash permanent supportive housing in Athens, jeopardizing local projects and vouchers just as providers brace for a turbulent year ahead.

Get the details!

#OH #CommunityEngagement #SocialJustice #CitizenPortal #HousingPolicy

Guest warns HUD funding shift could cut permanent supportive housing in Athens area

At the Affordable Housing Commission meeting, a regional provider said recent HUD guidance proposing a 30% cap on permanent supportive housing would sharply shift federal Continuum of Care dollars to transitional programs and could jeopardize local vouchers and project‑based housing; HUD has pulled and said it will reissue the NOFO amid lawsuits and advocacy.

December 16, 2025 at 9:36 PM

Thinkhouse.org.uk

@thinkhouseinfo.bsky.social

Now included in www.thinkhouse.org.uk :: @Commonweal REPORT :: You're Home Evaluation :: Awaiting Editorial Panel assessment. #ukhousing #housingresearch #housingpolicy

Thinkhouse holds a library of the best and most innovative research pieces, policy publications and case studies on the quantity and quality of the UK's housing stock.

December 16, 2025 at 12:21 PM

Thinkhouse.org.uk

@thinkhouseinfo.bsky.social

Now included in www.thinkhouse.org.uk :: @housingevidence.bsky.social REPORT :: The 2026 Scottish Election: Housing Evidence Priorities for a New Government :: Awaiting Editorial Panel assessment. #ukhousing #housingresearch #housingpolicy

Thinkhouse holds a library of the best and most innovative research pieces, policy publications and case studies on the quantity and quality of the UK's housing stock.

December 16, 2025 at 12:19 PM

Thinkhouse.org.uk

@thinkhouseinfo.bsky.social

Now included in www.thinkhouse.org.uk :: @mhclg @homelessnessimpact.bsky.social REPORT :: Systems-wide evaluation of homelessness and rough sleeping: Interaction with the asylum system :: Awaiting Editorial Panel assessment. #ukhousing #housingresearch #housingpolicy

Thinkhouse holds a library of the best and most innovative research pieces, policy publications and case studies on the quantity and quality of the UK's housing stock.

December 16, 2025 at 12:19 PM

Thinkhouse.org.uk

@thinkhouseinfo.bsky.social

Now included in www.thinkhouse.org.uk :: @sheltercharity.bsky.social REPORT :: Homelessness in England 2025 :: Awaiting Editorial Panel assessment. #ukhousing #housingresearch #housingpolicy

Thinkhouse holds a library of the best and most innovative research pieces, policy publications and case studies on the quantity and quality of the UK's housing stock.