Results for: Housing

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether cities can criminalize sleeping outside, a case that has major implications for homeless individuals and the cities that provide services to them. The Court heard arguments Monday in a case brought by the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, which made it a crime to camp in public places without a permit. Homeless advocates and unhoused people rallied outside the courthouse, arguing that such laws are cruel and unusual punishment. The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision in June.

The federal government hasallocated millions to Shannon Park, a former military site in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, for housing development. The move, which includes plans for 3,000 dwelling units, commercial space, and public parkland, has raised questions among provincial and municipal officials regarding community engagement, placement, and the provision of housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Eight projects in the cities of Oakland and Santa Cruz, and the counties of Marin, Monterey, and Santa Cruz will receive a combined $54.9 million in state funds to help unsheltered homeless people move from encampments into housing.

The Federal Reserve’s focus on interest rates to combat inflation may not be effective given the shifting drivers of inflation. Healthcare, housing, and insurance costs are significant contributors to inflation, and addressing the structural issues and price-fixing in these sectors is crucial. Reliance solely on monetary policy may not suffice, and a broader approach considering sectoral factors is necessary.

A public hearing is underway in Calgary regarding a proposed blanket rezoning bylaw that would allow for more housing types in residential areas. The bylaw, which is part of the city’s housing strategy, aims to simplify the development process and increase housing supply.

However, hundreds of residents have gathered at City Hall to oppose the bylaw, arguing that it would negatively impact the character of their neighborhoods and lead to overdevelopment. City officials maintain that the bylaw is needed to address the city’s housing affordability crisis, as home prices have increased significantly in recent years. The public hearing is expected to last several days, with over 741 people registered to speak.