The U.N.’s New Urban Declaration Puts City Finance and Housing First
The U.N. renewed its urban agenda, but cities still need money, authority and project capacity to turn housing and climate goals into results.
Housing
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New Britain zoning panel to review housing rules, map change and smoke-shop proposal
New Britain’s Zoning Subcommittee will hold an August 4 public hearing on housing and mixed-use rules, a Vine-Lexington zoning-map proposal, smoke-shop review standards and Town Fair Tire’s request for 665 West Main Street.
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Massachusetts opens FY27 grant window for seasonal communities
Eligible Massachusetts municipalities can seek formula-based grants for housing planning, zoning, development preparation and related infrastructure by August 28, 2026.
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Los Angeles Files First Civil Case Under Strengthened Tenant-Harassment Ordinance
The City Attorney says the lawsuit involves eight rent-stabilized units in South Los Angeles and alleges eviction pressure, service disruptions and other tenant harassment.
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Clark County growth-plan review reaches final environmental stage for Battle Ground
Clark County issued a final environmental impact statement on July 24 for a proposed 2025-2045 comprehensive-plan update that includes Battle Ground. The SEPA review is complete, but plan, zoning and related policy decisions remain pending.
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San Diego covered rental units face an 8.2% increase limit through July 2027
A new California rent-cap schedule limits increases for covered San Diego County units to 8.2% during a 12-month period, with exemptions and notice rules still requiring review.
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Bowie State MARC station development moves ahead with housing and transit plans
Maryland and Prince George’s County named separate development partners for a nearly 100-acre Bowie State MARC project, but construction has not begun.
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Newark’s Landlord Accountability List Raises Enforcement Questions
Newark’s live landlord list names four entities tied to 12 properties, tracks housing and enforcement activity, and authorizes reviews of city incentives while a separate lawsuit remains pending.
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Maine’s first statewide housing count beat the 2025 goal — but permits aren’t finished homes
Maine estimated 7,499 permitted housing units in 2025, surpassing its goal, but the first statewide dataset has coverage limits and the target rises to 13,300 units by 2030.
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Denton’s apartment-moratorium debate faces a slower path under Texas law
Denton is exploring a temporary pause on new multifamily permit applications, but any moratorium would require expanded notice, two public hearings, multiple readings and a three-fourths vote.
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San Rafael’s new fiscal-year housing impact fee rates are now in effect
A Marin County fee schedule now applies to qualifying large homes, additions and rebuilds in San Rafael, with reductions possible for concurrent ADUs and related units.
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Philadelphia’s new ZBA fees are now in effect
Philadelphia’s revised Zoning Board of Adjustment fee schedule took effect August 1, with application fees ranging from $125 to $811 and additional charges for expedited hearings and other procedural services.
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Elk Grove Approves Rezone and Two-Lot Map for 10132 Sheldon Road
Elk Grove approved a zoning change and tentative parcel map for 10132 Sheldon Road, allowing about 4.97 acres to be divided into two rural residential lots while leaving future construction subject to additional permits and standards.
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UN urban review finds housing and access still lag city growth
A UN review found uneven urban progress: transport access improved, but housing costs, informal settlements and weak local capacity continue to deepen exclusion.
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Long Beach homelessness count rises to 3,729 as shelter use grows
Long Beach counted 3,729 people experiencing homelessness on January 22, 2026. Shelter use increased and the unsheltered share fell, but chronic and newly experienced homelessness also rose as local funding decisions approach.
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Council Bluffs residents begin shaping the city’s 2050 growth plan
Council Bluffs’ Elevate CB 2050 process is still gathering public input. Residents can weigh in on housing, transportation, downtown and investment priorities before strategy work begins and possible formal action in 2027.
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Omaha council reviews proposed 34-unit apartment project at 7630 Pacific
A proposed five-story, 34-unit market-rate apartment building at 7630 Pacific Street is tied to zoning changes and up to $1.513 million in proposed Omaha TIF assistance.
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Dartmouth approves five-year housing plan with zoning and infrastructure priorities
Dartmouth’s Select Board approved an updated Housing Production Plan on July 13, 2026, after prior Planning Board approval. The townwide roadmap includes North Dartmouth, but its five-year term will not begin until state adoption.
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San Antonio CDBG amendment remains unclear after city correction
San Antonio corrected a proposed CDBG shift from up to $2 million to up to $500,000, while a separate city notice still lists August 6 council action for a broader federal housing plan.
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Bellevue’s Olde Town Opportunity Zone could open a path for redevelopment
Bellevue announced July 23 that Olde Town was selected for the 2027 Opportunity Zone process, but any federal tax benefits depend on certification and qualifying investments after January 1, 2027.
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EU House Prices Are Rising Faster Than Rents. Housing Is Not More Affordable
EU house prices rose 5.1% year over year in early 2026, faster than rents, but Eurostat says the gap is not a measure of household affordability.
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Vermont’s proposed 100-bed shelter faces site, funding and operating tests
CVOEO and Champlain Housing Trust have reviewed four Chittenden County sites but have not found a building for a proposed year-round shelter aimed at adults living outdoors.