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Bangor Planning Board Faces Delays in 55-Unit Dormitory Project

Bangor Planning Board Faces Delays in 55-Unit Dormitory Project

The Bangor Planning Board approved a land development permit in 2024 for a 55-unit co-living dormitory at 416 Stillwater Ave. in Bangor, Maine. Despite the approval, construction has not commenced, leaving the lot empty. The project, managed by Sean Thies of Haley Ward, was intended to provide short-term housing for Bangor's transient workforce, including travel nurses and individuals without permanent housing. However, escalating construction costs and staffing challenges have delayed the project. The developer must reapply for permits as Bangor requires construction to begin within a year of approval. The delay highlights the complexities of housing development, where local permits do not guarantee project completion.
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Rhode Island's 'Taylor Swift Tax' Aims to Address Housing Shortages

Rhode Island's 'Taylor Swift Tax' Aims to Address Housing Shortages

Rhode Island has enacted a new property tax, colloquially known as the 'Taylor Swift Tax', targeting high-end vacation homes that are often left vacant. The tax imposes a surcharge on properties not occupied for more than half the year, with the revenue intended to support housing affordability initiatives. The tax is named after pop star Taylor Swift, who owns a mansion in the state. Officials in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, are considering a similar measure to address local housing shortages, as rising property values have made it difficult for year-round residents to afford homes.
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Huntsville Seeks Public Input on University Drive Safety and Walkability Improvements

Huntsville Seeks Public Input on University Drive Safety and Walkability Improvements

City leaders in Huntsville, Alabama, are seeking public input on plans to enhance safety and walkability along University Drive. The proposed changes aim to improve housing, office spaces, and retail areas in three key locations: Northwoods, the area near the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and MidCity. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to make the corridor safer, more pedestrian-friendly, and better equipped for public transit. The city is engaging with residents to gather feedback and ensure that the improvements meet community needs.
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Bangor Home Sales See Significant Activity with $690K Top Sale

Bangor Home Sales See Significant Activity with $690K Top Sale

Bangor Home Sales See Significant Activity with $690K Top Sale
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Rome City Commission Holds Hearing on Proposed 2026 Tax Increase Amid Public Silence

Rome City Commission Holds Hearing on Proposed 2026 Tax Increase Amid Public Silence

The Rome City Commission conducted its second public hearing on a proposed tax increase for 2026, with no public comments made during the session. The meeting took place at the City Commission Chambers in Rome City Hall. The proposal suggests maintaining the total millage rate at 26.25 mills, consistent with 2025, but adjusting its components. The maintenance and operations millage would rise from 7.75 to 8.25 mills, and the capital millage from 1.75 to 2.00 mills, while the Rome City Schools millage would decrease from 16.75 to 16.00 mills. City Manager Sammy Rich reported that 77% of the city's homesteaded properties saw a decrease in assessed value for 2026, with the overall tax digest increasing by 1.44%, below the anticipated 4% growth. Rich emphasized that over 80% of the city's expenditures are personnel-related, suggesting that significant budget cuts would impact city services and workforce size. The State of Georgia's Homestead Tax Relief Grant will return in 2026, offering tax relief by reducing...
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Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center Secures $1 Million HUD Earmark

Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center Secures $1 Million HUD Earmark

The Forest Park Horticultural and Learning Center in Springfield has received a $1 million earmark through congressionally directed spending from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal announced the funding, which is part of the FY 2026 spending bill. The center aims to enhance educational opportunities and economic activity in the area, serving as a hub for learning and community engagement.
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Colorado Springs Leaders Launch New Homelessness Response Team to Tackle Crisis

Colorado Springs Leaders Launch New Homelessness Response Team to Tackle Crisis

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Chief Housing and Homelessness Response Officer Aimee Cox have announced the formation of a new Homelessness Response Team. This initiative aims to create a coordinated, city-wide approach to address homelessness, with the goal of making it rare, brief, and nonrecurring in the area. The announcement was made during a live event, emphasizing the city's commitment to tackling the homelessness crisis through strategic planning and community involvement.
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California Struggles to Meet Housing Targets Amidst Regulatory and Economic Challenges

California Struggles to Meet Housing Targets Amidst Regulatory and Economic Challenges

California is facing significant challenges in meeting its state-mandated housing targets, with most cities and counties falling short of their goals. The state requires localities to plan for new homes across various affordability levels, but less than a third are on track to meet market-rate housing targets. The situation is even more dire for affordable housing, with only a small fraction of jurisdictions meeting their targets. Despite state-approved plans, actual construction lags due to regulatory, economic, and financial hurdles.
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Charlotte Affordable Housing Conference 2026 Addresses Housing Challenges

Charlotte Affordable Housing Conference 2026 Addresses Housing Challenges

The Charlotte Affordable Housing Conference 2026 is set to address the ongoing challenges in the housing market, including rising construction costs and tight capital availability. The conference will bring together developers, investors, architects, and public sector partners to discuss strategies for overcoming feasibility challenges and approval timelines. The event aims to explore innovative approaches to housing development, focusing on pre-development strategy and execution processes. Discussions will highlight how stakeholders can align capital, design, development, and public-sector processes to advance housing production in Charlotte.
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Utah Reports Decline in Homelessness Across All Regions in 2026

Utah Reports Decline in Homelessness Across All Regions in 2026

Utah has reported a decrease in homelessness across all three of its Continuums of Care regions in 2026. The Point-in-Time Count revealed that over 4,500 Utahns were experiencing homelessness, marking a 1.6% decrease from the previous year. This is the first year-over-year decline since 2019. Chronic homelessness fell by 6.7%, and unsheltered homelessness dropped by nearly 10%. The Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness saw a small decrease of 24 individuals, while the Mountainland Continuum of Care experienced a 15% reduction. The Balance of State Continuum of Care reported a slight decrease as well. Statewide emergency shelter utilization decreased from 84% to 74%, despite an increase in available beds. Permanent supportive housing utilization rose, while other permanent housing saw a slight decrease. Rapid rehousing beds remain at full capacity, and transitional housing utilization increased slightly.
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Chicago's Building Code Reforms Spur Growth in Five-Story Developments

Chicago's Building Code Reforms Spur Growth in Five-Story Developments

Chicago has witnessed a significant increase in the construction of five-story buildings following the implementation of the 2019 building code reforms. These reforms allowed developers to use Type III construction for five-story buildings, a method previously limited to four stories. Type III construction, which is noncombustible on the exterior but allows for wood or less flame-resistant metal framing inside, is more cost-effective than the fully noncombustible Type I construction. This change has made it financially viable for developers to build more five-story structures, leading to a more than 100% increase in such developments. The Connected Communities Ordinance of 2022, which reduced parking requirements in higher-density residential zones, also contributed to this trend by allowing more flexibility in building design and location.
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Tampa Revises Funding Model for $2.3 Billion Rays Stadium Project

Tampa Revises Funding Model for $2.3 Billion Rays Stadium Project

Tampa Revises Funding Model for $2.3 Billion Rays Stadium Project