Chicago voters nix ‘mansion tax’ to fund efforts to reduce homelessness

Chicago voters in March rejected a proposed “mansion tax” that would have funded efforts to reduce homelessness in the city.

Endorsed by the mayor, the tax would have applied to homes sold for $1 million and above and would have raised an estimated $100 million annually. About 53% of voters voted against the referendum.

More than 68,000 people experienced homelessness in Chicago in 2021. The city’s housing crisis has worsened with the arrival of more than 37,000 migrants in the city and area suburbs over the past 18 months.

A fiscal watchdog group criticized the proposed tax hike, noting that Chicago already has high taxes and concerns about public safety. Higher taxes would discourage people from locating to the city, the group says.

The U.S. is ill-prepared to provide adequate housing for the growing ranks of older people, according to a report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Over the next decade, the U.S. population older than 75 will increase by 45%, growing from 17 million to nearly 25 million, with many expected to struggle financially.

Austin, Texas, has devised a toolkit for creating 'equitable transit-oriented developments,' or ETODs.

Transit Facilities | Dec 4, 2023

6 guideposts for cities to create equitable transit-oriented developments

Austin, Texas, has developed an ETOD Policy Toolkit Study to make transit-oriented developments more equitable for current and future residents and businesses.

Mary’s Place Family Center for families experiencing homelessness

Office Buildings | Dec 1, 2023

Amazon office building doubles as emergency housing for Seattle families

The unusual location for services of this kind serves over 300 people per day. Mary's Place spreads across eight of the office's floors—all designed by Graphite—testing the status quo for its experimental approach to homelessness support.

Multifamily Housing | Nov 30, 2023

A lasting housing impact: Gen-Z redefines multifamily living

Nathan Casteel, Design Leader, DLR Group, details what sets an apartment community apart for younger generations.

Facade of aged historic cathedral under colorful sky at sunset

Industry Research | Nov 28, 2023

Migration trends find top 10 states Americans are moving to

In the StorageCafe analysis of the latest migration trends, each U.S. state was looked at to see the moving patterns of people in the last few years. These are the top 10 states that people are moving to.

Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay - California building electrification laws could prompt evictions

MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023

California building electrification laws could prompt more evictions and rent increases

California laws requiring apartment owners to ditch appliances that use fossil fuels could prompt more evictions and rent increases in the state, according to a report from the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy. The law could spur more evictions if landlords undertake major renovations to comply with the electrification rule.

MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023

Underused strip malls offer great potential for conversions to residential use

Replacing moribund strip malls with multifamily housing could make a notable dent in the housing shortage and revitalize under-used properties across the country, according to a report from housing nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners.

Affordable housing redevelopment exterior rendering

Affordable Housing | Nov 16, 2023

Habitat receives approval for $400 million affordable housing redevelopment

Chicago-based Habitat, a leading U.S. multifamily developer and property manager, announced that its $400 million redevelopment of Marine Drive Apartments in Buffalo, N.Y., has received planned unit development (PUD) approval by the Buffalo Common Council.