Week of February 10, 2025

What’s in a Name? Investors vs. Speculators

Miriam Axel-Lute, Shelterforce

We don’t often make a clear distinction between investors and speculators, which makes it harder to identify harmful behavior—and to find solutions for it. Read Full Article or Listen?

We Need a Plan for Decarbonization That Doesn't Displace Renters

Chelsea Kirk, Strategic Actions for a Just Economy

More and more cities and states have developed plans for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in housing. Here’s how we can avoid possible harms to renters. Read Full Article

Editors' Pick

New HUD Secretary Has Opposed Efforts to Aid the Poor

Jesse Coburn and Andy Kroll, ProPublica

Scott Turner will oversee billions in housing aid, but as a Texas state legislator he voted against protections for poor tenants and has called government assistance “one of the most destructive things for the family.”?Read Full Article

In Case You Missed It

• Federal Funding Freeze Memo Rescinded—But We’re Not Out of the Woods Yet
• Condos—A Key Source of Affordable Housing for Homeowners—Are in Jeopardy
• Encampment Residents Thought They'd Found Stability. Why Did Their Lease Fall Apart?

Looking for a Job? Scroll Down . . .

Events

Shelterforce’s Conference—A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Possibilities | Speaker Announcement

Dr. Akilah Watkins will be the keynote speaker during Shelterforce’s first in-person conference on April 28-29. The conference will bring together folks from the community development and affordable housing fields, and commemorate Shelterforce’s 50th anniversary.?Watkins serves as president and CEO of Independent Sector. Learn more about the conference and get your tickets!

You Said It

On “Condos—A Key Source of Affordable Housing for Homeowners—Are in Jeopardy”

John Davis: An insightful summary of some of the many problems that accompany this particular form of tenure — and some useful suggestions for improving condominium stability. Read More

Dan Hoffman: Suspect many “affordable” condos are appreciating at lower rates than others. In softer markets do similar units in a building contribute to race to bottom pricing? Perhaps some sort of risk share program with a CLT could be helpful? Via LinkedIn

On “What Is ‘Affordable Housing’?”

Belinda J.R.: Affordability used to be a priority concern in the housing market. Now, it’s about just trying to survive in slums and substandard housing, with rents that far exceed their worth. On their face, so many conceal the horror that’s really lurking behind the doors and walls. Via LinkedIn

Jobs

Development Director, Shelterforce, Remote ? The development director is a critical role in our expanding organization. As a cornerstone of our strategic growth plan, this position is designed to unlock the untapped potential of our dedicated reader and listener base, significantly boosting our financial resources to advance our mission of housing justice. Read Full Listing

Real Estate Development Program Manager, CASA of Oregon, Sherwood ? CASA of Oregon seeks a real estate development program manager. The position is responsible for the development of multi-family housing, single-family housing, and community facility projects and helps determine the course of CASA’s development program. The role oversees . . . Read Full Listing

Real Estate Development Director, Community Frameworks, Spokane or Seattle, WA ? Community Frameworks, an affordable housing developer based in Spokane, Washington, with a second office in Bremerton, and serving the Pacific Northwest, is hiring the organization’s next real estate development director with strong management and team building skills to continue a legacy . . . Read Full Listing

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CEO/Publisher, Schlonn Hawkins

CEO/Editor-in-Chief, Miriam Axel-Lute

Managing Editor, Lillian M. Ortiz

Investigative Reporter, Shelby R. King

Associate Editor, Lara Heard

Assistant Editor, Elizabeth Sheedy

Marketing and Communications Associate, Gelina Dames

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Shelterforce began in 1975 and is the oldest, national, independent, nonprofit community development publication in America. Whether you provide or support affordable housing, economic or workforce development, community organizing, arts and culture, community planning, health, or transportation, Shelterforce will help you do your work better tomorrow than yesterday. Please help keep us strong by making a tax-deductible donation today.

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