AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Apr 23 2026POLITICS

South Park Estates: How Big Promises Led to Big Problems

South Park Estates in Midtown was once a rare spot where working families could own their homes. But after the city changed the rules in 2021, rents jumped nearly 50% in just a few years. What used to be a tight-knit community of 66 families is now down to just 35. The reason? Officials allowed a de

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Apr 18 2026POLITICS

Waynesboro's Hidden Housing Crisis: Warm Shelters Grow as Affordable Homes Fade Out

Waynesboro faced serious challenges this past winter as demand for shelter skyrocketed. A local group called WARM opened its doors to 198 adults during the 18-week cold season ending March 30. These individuals didn’t just stop by occasionally—they came 4, 308 times total, averaging over 20 visits e

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Apr 03 2026POLITICS

Worcester’s Apartment Plan Gets a New Deadline

The city’s planning board decided to push back the review of a request for more time on a downtown apartment project. The developer, HHM Cube from Springfield, asked for extra days to lock in funding, finish the building drawings, and file a permit. Instead of hearing about it on April 1, the

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Feb 27 2026POLITICS

Medina Eyes New Buyers for City Lot

The city of Medina plans to open up a 410‑East Smith Road lot for public bids, according to the finance committee. The property was bought in 2012 and has been used mainly for storing city sanitation supplies, though a fire once damaged some buildings. The site sits behind the Sweets and Geeks shop

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Feb 13 2026POLITICS

A New Way to Tackle Empty Homes in Colorado

Colorado lawmakers heard a proposal that would let local governments tax vacant houses. The idea, called a “ghost tax, ” was meant to force owners of empty homes to pay extra money and help fund affordable housing. The House Finance Committee voted it down, but the discussion is far from over. The

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Feb 13 2026POLITICS

D. C. Takes Bold Step to Protect Renters from Exploitative Landlords

In a surprising move, Washington, D. C. is using a powerful law meant for organized crime to tackle a different kind of wrongdoing: bad landlords. The city's attorney general has filed a lawsuit against a family accused of running a shady business that provides terrible living conditions to low-inco

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Jan 24 2026LIFESTYLE

Cheyenne: A Retiree's Dream with Low Costs and Big Skies

Cheyenne, Wyoming, is a hidden gem for retirees. It's not just about the low taxes and affordable homes. It's about the space, the quiet, and the chance to enjoy life at a slower pace. The city is small, with just over 65, 000 people. This means no crowded streets or long waits. Housing is a big pl

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Jan 23 2026BUSINESS

A Fresh Start for Park Heights: Big Plans and Bigger Dreams

In Baltimore's Park Heights, a big change is coming. A group of organizations has joined forces to build something new. They have secured $44 million to create a mixed-use community. This project will bring affordable housing and spaces for businesses. The focus is on Belvedere Avenue, near the Piml

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Jan 16 2026FINANCE

Office Woes, Housing Hopes, and Data Center Dreams: A Day of Big Talks

The last day of the CREFC January Conference 2026 wrapped up with three engaging discussions. The first talk was about troubled office buildings. Experts discussed how some offices are struggling while others are doing okay. It all depends on where they are and how good they are. Next up, the conve

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Jan 10 2026OPINION

Florida's Housing Hurdle: What's Holding Back Affordable Living?

Florida's Live Local Act, a 2023 law aimed at tackling housing affordability, is facing resistance from some wealthy areas. These communities are putting up barriers to block new housing developments, despite the law's incentives like tax breaks and easier zoning rules. The law was designed to enco

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