Housing

D.C. Revamps Tenant Laws to Ignite Affordable Housing Investment

by

Washington, D.C., has enacted significant changes to its tenant laws, aiming to stimulate investment in affordable housing. The legislative adjustments are part of a broader strategy to enhance the availability of low-cost housing options within the city, where residents have increasingly faced rising rents and limited choices. The new regulations intend to attract developers and investors by offering incentives that make building affordable housing more financially feasible. This initiative responds to the ongoing housing crisis in the capital, where many communities are struggling with the impact of escalating housing costs. Key provisions of the updated … Read more

Lincoln Landlords File Lawsuit to Challenge Voter-Approved Housing Discrimination Ban

by

Lincoln, Nebraska, is facing legal challenges to a newly enacted ordinance that prohibits housing discrimination against renters based on their source of income. The ordinance, which received substantial backing from the community with nearly 66% approval in a May vote, aims to protect tenants using public assistance, including housing vouchers, Social Security, veteran benefits, and informal income sources. Following the implementation of the ordinance shortly after the election, a group of local landlords initiated a lawsuit on September 4, seeking to overturn the Lincoln for Fair Housing initiative. This legal action raises concerns about the … Read more

California Takes Stand Against Housing Ban: Norwalk to Repeal Restrictions and Invest in Affordable Housing

by

California’s City of Norwalk has reached a settlement with state officials following a lawsuit over a housing ban that targeted vulnerable populations. The settlement was announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Gustavo Velasquez, the director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The lawsuit, filed on November 4, 2024, claimed that Norwalk’s prohibition on emergency shelters, supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, and transitional housing violated several state laws. The state sought a court order to compel Norwalk to repeal the housing ban and comply with California housing regulations. … Read more

Ex-Housing Coordinator Wins $2.3 Million Verdict, Exposing Hostile Work Environment at Charlotte Housing Authority

by

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal jury has awarded a former housing coordinator over $2.3 million after determining that her exit from the Charlotte Housing Authority was precipitated by a hostile work environment. The verdict has prompted significant reflection and scrutiny of the agency’s leadership and practices. During a brief deliberation that lasted just over an hour, the jury concluded that Tonya Lightner, a former homeownership coordinator, faced an unlawful workplace situation. The issues emerged after she expressed concerns regarding discriminatory practices against elderly and disabled veterans seeking housing assistance. The jury found that Monica Nathan, … Read more