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Atlanta, GA converts shipping containers into affordable housing
In light of a growing homeless population in Atlanta, city officials are converting shipping containers into affordable housing units that are accessible for those with disabilities and also include a bathroom, a bed and a refrigerator.. With 40 housing units now in use, the city has plans to add another 20,000 units by 2030.
Atlanta, GA
United States
Johnson County, KS Landlord Incentive Pilot Program seeks uptick in housing voucher participation
County officials recognized a steady downturn in Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) acceptance from 2019 to 2022. The Landlord Incentive Pilot Program is funded by $200,000 in federal funding and offers several layers of incentives for property owners. Participating landlords qualify for sign-on bonuses worth up to three times their monthly rent. A Damage Reimbursement Fund covers up to $3,500 per unit in damages for valid claims beyond what's covered by security deposits.
Johnson County, KS
United States
Buckinghamshire Council, GB Energy Doctor program provides low-cost solutions to high utility bills
The Domestic Resource Efficiency Service provides in-home consultations and remedies for energy inefficiencies. Eligible residents earn £30,000 or less per year and live in properties graded in the bottom four energy performance certificate ratings. Resource efficiency officers - or Energy Doctors - recommend changes and install simple items like portable solar generators or LED lights. Local officials anticipate average savings of £100 per year for participants.
Buckinghamshire Council, GB
United Kingdom
Sacramento, CA assists low-income households with repairs through Justice for Neighbors pilot
City officials identified deteriorating housing conditions as a significant issue for local households. Justice for Neighbors offers up to $15,000 per successful applicant to address code violations. Qualified applicants are homeowners earning 80% or less of the area median income. Project partner Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento will fix electrical, plumbing, roofing, and HVAC issues. The pilot lasts four years or until $504,000 in program funds are exhausted.
Sacramento, CA
United States
Sevilla, AN expands affordable housing options with vacant home purchases and rent subsidy programs
City housing agency Emvisesa created Alquila Sevilla - Rent Sevilla - to bring vacant rental units into use. This program offers 525 euros per month and rent guarantees to property owners who lease their vacancies at affordable rates. Emvisesa guarantees rent payments and handles evictions in cases of broken leases. The empty homes program offers up to 118,000 euros per vacant home, thus expanding entry-level options in a constrained housing market.
Sevilla, AN
Spain
West Lothian Council, GB monitors environmental issues in council homes with smart sensor pilot
Local officials installed climate sensors in 100 council homes for the pilot. The sensors gather real-time data on temperature, humidity, and other environmental metrics. Participating tenants receive text messages when sensors detect the early signs of dampness and condensation. This system ensures quick repairs necessary to prevent long-term health problems. West Lothian Council will use pilot data when budgeting council home upgrades in the future.
West Lothian Council, GB
United Kingdom
King County, WA offers unlimited transit use for public housing residents with SHA Transit Pass
The SHA Transit Pass program issues free ORCA cards for unlimited bus, light rail, and other transit options throughout the region. The Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) and Department of Transportation started with a three-year pilot for 2,000 SHA residents. The expanded pilot through December 2026 will issue ORCA cards to 10,000 SHA residents, further reducing barriers to local services and employment. Eligible residents are aged 19 years or older and listed on current SHA leases.
King County, WA
United States
Indianapolis, IN Vacant to Vibrant program converts city properties into affordable housing
City officials approved $4.5 million in federal ARPA funds to turn city-owned lots into new homes. Vacant to Vibrant opens properties in the Martindale Brightwood, Near Eastside, and Near Northwest to development. Proposals must be approved by neighborhood advisory committees and meet infill requirements. Eligible renters and buyers earn less than 80% of the area median income. This program works toward the policy recommendations of the city's Anti-Displacement Agenda published in 2021.
Indianapolis, IN
United States
Wichita, KS Landlord Incentive Program encourages rentals to federal housing voucher recipients
This Wichita Housing Authority (WHA) program addresses landlord reluctance when dealing with Section 8 recipients. A one-time $1,000 bonus for new landlords and $250 per qualifying tenant provide upfront incentives for participation. The Landlord Incentive Program covers up to $3,500 in damages and deductibles during a tenant's first year. Participating landlords also receive lost rental payments following eviction or abandonment if they rent to another Section 8 recipient.
Wichita, KS
United States
Newcastle upon Tyne City Council, GB pilots whole-house infrared heating for council homes
City officials want a low-emissions, low-cost method for home heating in social housing. The two-year pilot evaluates infrared heating systems at two council-owned terraced houses. Each system includes heating panels, a smart thermostat, a hot water tank, and solar panels with an onsite battery. Equans assists with the installation and maintenance of the systems, while Nesta will conduct surveys about participant experiences with infrared heating during the winter of 2022-2023.
Newcastle upon Tyne City Council, GB
United Kingdom
London Borough of Lambeth, GB addresses housing quality issues with Disrepair Arbitration Pilot
Council home tenants typically take disrepair claims to court and pay legal fees out of their awards. The UK-first pilot scheme moves arbitration cases in-house before an independent barrister. Claimants can file complaints about issues ranging from excessive dampness to structural problems. Expedited hearings use resident and expert accounts to determine if financial awards are appropriate. Lambeth's repair team quickly addresses issues and claimants receive 100% of their awards.
London Borough of Lambeth, GB
United Kingdom
Los Angeles, CA Good2GoBikes pilot provides micro-mobility options for public housing development
City-funded Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) selected Rancho San Pedro based on its high reliance on public transit. Project partner Pedal Movement operates an off-grid charging hub for a fleet of 20 e-bikes and e-cargo bikes. Rancho San Pedro residents can access bikes by the hour or with monthly passes using a dedicated mobile app. This four-year pilot is funded by the statewide Clean Mobility Options program and complements a recently extended EV car share pilot in the development.
Los Angeles, CA
United States