Latest news with #Reignite
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Big demand for affordable housing calls for big approach in suburban Nebraska
Hoppe Development's Tallgrass mixed-income housing site. (Courtesy of DAA, FoleyShald, Hoppe Development) PAPILLION, Nebraska — Nebraska's big demand for affordable housing calls for big ideas, and the new Tallgrass housing project in Sarpy County is one developer's novel approach to helping fill that tall order. Lincoln-based Hoppe Development started out with a blank 35-acre canvas on which it plans to grow an entire mixed-income neighborhood inside a more massive 440-acre multi-use development. The private developer with help from a nonprofit partner will plant a variety of affordable housing types among Tallgrass' 600 dwellings — a feat that required competitive applications to gain funding from multiple governmental and other sources. But perhaps the most atypical element is the location — the Tallgrass neighborhood is rising in Papillion, a suburban city in one of the fastest-growing and wealthiest per capita counties of the state, rather than in a more common inner city setting where most housing for lower income residents is concentrated. Jake Hoppe, the company's chief executive, said the venture represents a newer approach to building affordable housing in Nebraska — one that integrates affordable units at a larger scale within a specially designed mixed-income suburban neighborhood. A similar Hoppe-led development launched a couple of years ago in Lincoln. His company points to research that shows lower-income families have greater success in breaking the cycle of poverty when living in an area with broader access to jobs, schools and opportunity, and amidst a mix of peers and lifestyles. Said company principal Fred Hoppe: 'If we are going to address the affordable housing challenges of our communities, we have to build affordable housing at scale alongside market rate housing, in highly desirable areas of town with strong schools and supportive community infrastructure.' Jake Hoppe is among a lineup of state and national experts set to speak — at a two-day Reignite2Unite symposium beginning June 4 — about successes and innovative efforts aimed at growing affordable and diverse housing across Nebraska. Organized by the Omaha Municipal Land Bank, Spark CDI and Front Porch Investments, the conference at Omaha Marriott Downtown builds on the inaugural Reignite event last year, which offered tools and information to help emerging developers transform infill properties into community assets. Leah Rothstein, a housing policy expert and co-author of 'Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted under the Color of Law,' is a keynote speaker. Rothstein collaborated with her father, Richard Rothstein, on the book that is a sequel to his 'The Color of Law,' a groundbreaking history of how the U.S. government imposed racial segregation on neighborhoods nationwide. In an interview with the Nebraska Examiner, Rothstein offered examples of policies that helped other communities improve access to affordable housing. Among them: zoning reform that allows a broader range of housing sizes and types in a neighborhood; inclusionary housing policies that call for a certain percentage of new construction projects to be affordable; property tax abatements in return for affordable units, and nonprofit community land trusts that provide affordable housing in perpetuity by owning and leasing land to income-eligible people who live in houses built on the land. This year's conference comes as officials continue to address what's been called a 'crisis' shortage of affordable housing options in Nebraska, with too many households 'cost-burdened' by spending more than 30% of their income on housing. State officials have said rising housing costs have impacted the state's competitive edge and hampered its ability to fill open jobs. A study led by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and released in 2023 identified a goal to create, by 2028, at least 35,000 affordable and attainable homes across the state for low- to middle-income earners, which authors said would reduce the number of needed housing units by about a third. Rothstein said she was heartened to hear of the Tallgrass project she views as an inroad to counter segregation. Building affordable housing in suburban areas often faces the NIMBY (not in my backyard) battle from people who fear such projects could lower property values, she said. In the case of Tallgrass, Hoppe said NIMBY so far has not been an issue, as the developer controls the tract on which it and partners have plotted out the mix and styles to blend as a neighborhood. He said a key was buying the large undeveloped property early on, allowing his team to design from the ground up. 'We'll be our own neighbor,' he said. If we are going to address the affordable housing challenges of our communities, we have to build affordable housing at scale alongside market rate housing, in highly desirable areas of town with strong schools and supportive community infrastructure. – Fred Hoppe, Hoppe Development Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, with a $7 million assist from Cobalt Credit Union, is partnering with Hoppe in building 30 for-sale row houses that Habitat will make available for income-eligible buyers at the Tallgrass site. Habitat's Lacey Studnicka, who also will speak at the Reignite event, said the nonprofit has a dominant presence in northeast Omaha but provides homeownership opportunities to lower income families in five counties. She said its first new-build project in Papillion came as home prices were rising and teachers, laborers and others were being priced out of the area. 'Partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha to bring affordable housing to Sarpy County reflects our shared belief that everyone deserves a place to build their life and their dreams,' said Cobalt CEO Robin Larsen. Site preparation also has started at Tallgrass for 198 rental units affordable to families at 60% of the area median income and below. Those dwellings are funded through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program administered by NIFA and the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Ahead are other phases that include upscale market-rate apartments with a fitness center and swimming pool accessible to the whole development, as well as more for-sale homes funded in part by the Nebraska State Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Hoppe said his team took a page from the playbook of purpose-built mixed-income housing areas steered by Seventy Five North and Canopy South. A difference is that those are inner city infill developments in the eastern part of Omaha, whereas Tallgrass took the model to a greenfield in the suburbs. Helping get Tallgrass off the ground was an initial $2 million low-income loan from the nonprofit Front Porch's 'innovation fund.' Hoppe said the boost triggered the purchase of land at Papillion's 72nd Street and Capehart Road, inside the larger Oak Leaf subdivision. At least one challenge, Hoppe said, is ensuring that supportive services are available for families that otherwise likely would live in older, more established neighborhoods, where child care options are more familiar and public transportation is more accessible. He said his company has been exploring ways to respond to service gaps. A future elementary school 'hopefully will be responsive to the needs of the neighborhood' as well. A commercial town center and walking trails also are planned. The developer had looked at economically thriving Elkhorn as a potential site, but Hoppe said his team chose Papillion partly because of Amazon and other warehouse jobs available in the vicinity. Judging from Hoppe Development's similarly designed Lincoln Foxtail Meadows development — which is 650 units and built in a cornfield near a church — Jake Hoppe anticipates a positive response and outcome for Tallgrass. Each is expected to take five to seven years to build out. 'It's been great,' he said of the first few phases so far in the Lincoln mixed-income neighborhood, supported by various state and federal affordable housing funds and city-approved tax-increment financing. 'No one can tell who lives in an affordable or market rate unit.' OMAHA — A vacant downtown Omaha hotel property with an assorted and sometimes sketchy past, is set to be demolished to make way for a $16 million mixed-income residential property. A unique element of that venture is its team: Lincoln-based Hoppe Development, seasoned in the affordable housing field, paired up with Omahan Donell Brown, who is learning the industry. Such alliances, which help increase diversity among real estate developers, is a goal of this week's Reignite2Unite symposium and related efforts by organizers Spark and Omaha's Municipal Land Bank. The conference is expected to draw 250 people over two days starting Wednesday. Brown is a participant in Spark's co-development apprenticeship that aims to set up budding developers with a project site and experienced team to give them more of a running start. Brown recently completed a single-family home project and said he was eager to absorb the expertise of developers accustomed to assembling funding sources for more complicated projects. With the 2211 Douglas St. project, Brown said he is dealing with a gamut of federal, state and city officials. He's become aware of how to raise a score on a low-income housing tax credit application and plan a 'community engagement strategy.' 'It's pushing the limits of what I know and have done before to keep me growing and learning things,' said Brown. Jake Hoppe, CEO of Hoppe Development, said the plan is for the former hotel property, once the 402 Hotel and EconoLodge, to be razed. Most recently, the structure was used by Together Inc., as a non-congregate shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together Inc. and another nonprofit, Omaha-based Front Porch Investments, sought proposals to redevelop the site. Hoppe Development was selected and received the property for free. The plan is a new residential building of about 70 units, about half affordable housing for seniors and the rest units at market rate. The development team expects to apply for tax-increment financing and low-income housing tax credits. Hoppe said adding Brown to the team adds a new perspective. Brown said he appreciates learning 'method to the madness.' 'They know the path,' Brown said of Hoppe partners. 'It helps in thinking bigger in what you can perform and do.' — Cindy Gonzalez
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
YAHOO POLL: Do you support SDP's petition calling for electoral reform?
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) isn't letting its general election (GE2025) loss keep it quiet. Instead, it's kicking off a new campaign – Renew, Rebuild, Reignite – with a bold petition to reform how elections work in Singapore. From calling for longer campaign periods to abolishing the GRC system, SDP says voters need more time, transparency, and say in how democracy operates. One big ask? Moving the Elections Department (ELD) out from under the Prime Minister's Office. Critics say the system is too opaque. Supporters say it works just fine. Who's right? Other polls YAHOO POLL: Do you support harsher punishments for animal abusers? YAHOO POLL: COVID-19 cases on the rise – are you staying vigilant? YAHOO POLL: Would you approach otters if you saw them in Singapore? The petition – launched with fanfare and fried noodles at a thank-you dinner – has already sparked chatter. But SDP isn't stopping there. They're doubling down on youth engagement, with plans to bring political dialogue to campuses, publish a book for young voters, and roll out a social enterprise to build grassroots support and business savvy. Dr Chee Soon Juan says it's about starting conversations now, not just waking up every five years before polling day. If you've ever grumbled about rushed campaigns or confusing constituencies, here's your chance to be part of the reform – or at least the feedback. Of course, this isn't a one-party issue. A transparent, robust electoral process is something every voter – regardless of political leanings – should care about. After all, if you're going to queue and cast your vote, shouldn't it feel like it counts? Have your say and take the poll. Related SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign SDP presses PM Wong for answers on ministers' Su Haijin photo controvers Singapore voters seek stability as Trump roils global trade GE2025: PAP adopts our ideas as policy but won't give us any credit, says SDP's Chee Soon Juan Singapore's opposition claim 'gerrymandering' ahead of election
AsiaOne
19-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Putting aside the results of GE2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has resumed its groundwork by launching a petition calling for changes to the election system. It was launched by party chief Chee Soon Juan on May 18, during SDP's thank you dinner for its volunteers. About 180 volunteers attended the dinner, which was held at The Legacy at One North. The petition calls for six changes to the current election system in Singapore. This includes ensuring a minimum three-week campaign period, and setting a six-month gap between boundary changes and the dissolution of Parliament. It is one of the SDP's three initiatives launched as part of its new campaign "Renew, Rebuild, Reignite", in the lead-up to the 2030 General Election. SDP lost in all four constituencies it was contesting in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media at a press conference before the dinner, Dr Chee said that the recent election did not give the electorate sufficient time to grasp national concerns which affect society. "This has been the feedback we've been getting over and over especially (from) the younger voters, who are just coming together to learn about the (election) process." Other proposed changes in the petition include removing the election department from being under the Prime Minister's Office, abolishing the GRC system, and reviewing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. Dr Chee did not give details on how many signatures the party hopes to get for the petition, or what it plans to do after this. Mr Muhammad Aqmal Harris, a member of the SDP's youth wing Young Democrats, said: "This is not just a 'sign it and forget it' campaign. "This document is the beginning. A conversation starter, a rallying point, and it will evolve with your input." Mr Ariffin Sha, who was part of the SDP's slate contesting Marsiling Yew-Tee GRC, said: "The whole idea is to start this important conversation about electoral reform. "And I think one thing that has been quite interesting that we have seen is many young people, even those who are too young to vote, expressing an interest, and that's very heartening." Besides the petition, SDP will ramp up youth engagement, said Dr Chee, who added that he hopes to publish a book targeted at younger voters. The party also hopes to engage university students through dialogue in universities, and through their social media channels. He said: "We want to engage our younger voters, get them knowledgeable about what politics in Singapore (is about), and about current affairs. This is what is going to be important." The SDP also intends to launch the Orange & Teal social enterprise and cooperative (OTSEC), said Dr Chee, who added that members can join the cooperative for a $100 fee. "The OTSEC is meant to be a ground-up (initiative) where we are looking for Singaporeans to own a part of this business, and to encourage young entrepreneurs." Said Dr Chee: "I look to all of you to actively participate. Let's not go back into our comfort zone (and) keep quiet and lie low for the next four to five years and then awaken again just before the elections, only to find results like what we're seeing today. Let's go out and make the change that we want to see."
Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign
SDP party chief Chee Soon Juan (right) and chairman Paul Tambyah at SDP's press conference on May 18. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SDP launches petition to reform election system as part of new campaign SINGAPORE - Putting aside the results of GE2025, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has resumed its groundwork by launching a petition calling for changes to the election system. It was launched by party chief Chee Soon Juan on May 18, during SDP's thank you dinner for its volunteers. About 180 volunteers attended the dinner, which was held at The Legacy at One North. The petition calls for six changes to the current election system in Singapore. This includes ensuring a minimum three-week campaign period, and setting a six-month gap between boundary changes and the dissolution of Parliament. It is one of the SDP's three initiatives launched as part of its new campaign 'Renew, Rebuild, Reignite', in the lead-up to the 2030 General Election. SDP lost in all four constituencies it was contesting in the 2025 General Election. Speaking to the media at a press conference before the dinner, Dr Chee said that the recent election did not give the electorate sufficient time to grasp national concerns which affect society. 'This has been the feedback we've been getting over and over especially (from) the younger voters, who are just coming together to learn about the (election) process.' Other proposed changes in the petition include removing the election department from being under the Prime Minister's Office, abolishing the GRC system, and reviewing the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act. Dr Chee did not give details on how many signatures the party hopes to get for the petition, or what it plans to do after this. Mr Muhammad Aqmal Harris, a member of the SDP's youth wing Young Democrats, said: 'This is not just a 'sign it and forget it' campaign. 'This document is the beginning. A conversation starter, a rallying point, and it will evolve with your input.' Mr Ariffin Sha, who was part of the SDP's slate contesting Marsiling Yew-Tee GRC, said: 'The whole idea is to start this important conversation about electoral reform. 'And I think one thing that has been quite interesting that we have seen is many young people, even those who are too young to vote, expressing an interest, and that's very heartening.' SDP election posters being sold to raise funds for the party during the appreciation dinner on May 18. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Besides the petition, SDP will ramp up youth engagement, said Dr Chee, who added that he hopes to publish a book targeted at younger voters. The party also hopes to engage university students through dialogue in universities, and through their social media channels. He said: 'We want to engage our younger voters, get them knowledgeable about what politics in Singapore (is about), and about current affairs. This is what is going to be important.' The SDP also intends to launch the Orange & Teal social enterprise and cooperative (OTSEC), said Dr Chee, who added that members can join the cooperative for a $100 fee. 'The OTSEC is meant to be a ground-up (initiative) where we are looking for Singaporeans to own a part of this business, and to encourage young entrepreneurs.' Said Dr Chee: 'I look to all of you to actively participate. Let's not go back into our comfort zone (and) keep quiet and lie low for the next four to five years and then awaken again just before the elections, only to find results like what we're seeing today. Let's go out and make the change that we want to see.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
RTÉ News
14-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
How new job trends show our deteriorating relationship with work
Analysis: There has been quite a change in many people's attitude to how they earn a living and work increasingly doesn't feel like it's working How do you feel about your work? Do its daily demands leave you burned out and drained of energy? Do you find yourself reducing how much effort you make to engage in some "quiet" or "soft" quitting? Or maybe you dream of taking a more decisive step and joining the "great resignation". The prevalence – and popularity – of these responses suggests that there has been quite a change in many people's attitude to the way they earn a living. Some think that this change stems from a post- pandemic evaluation of work-life balance. Others say it's an individual form of industrial action. However, these explanations keep the spotlight firmly on workers rather than the work itself. Perhaps the truth lies in a fundamental deterioration in people's relationship with their work and maybe the work needs to shoulder some of the responsibility. From RTÉ Brainstorm, why do we work? A deep dive into the motivations, purposes and challenges about why we clock in from 9 to 5 (or 7 to 3) Our experience of working, and its impact on our lives, is about more than what goes on within the office or school or hospital or factory which pays our wages. Even something as simple (yet important) as the number of hours someone works might be the result of a complex combination of national law, professional expectations and an organisation's resources. This is where something known as the "psychosocial work environment" comes in – an approach (especially popular in Scandinavia) which examines the various structures, conditions and experiences that effect an employee's psychological and emotional wellbeing. Research in this field suggests that there are three conditions vital to the modern work experience: autonomy, boundary management and "precarity". Autonomy is about how much control and influence you have when it comes to doing your job and is key to how most employees feel about their work. Low levels of autonomy can leave people feeling overwhelmed and powerless. But high levels can also be detrimental, leading to excessive levels of individual responsibility and overwhelming hours. From RTÉ Radio 1's Reignite, all you need to know about burnout in the workplace Setting boundaries Ideally, you should have enough autonomy to feel a sense of flexibility and self-determination – but not so much that you feel you need to always be available and constantly on the clock. Boundary management is the ability to manage the physical and mental boundaries between work and non-work lives. Achieving a suitable work-life balance has become even more important in a world of hybrid working. But in jobs with high levels of autonomy and responsibility, boundaries can become blurred and unpredictable. Phones ping with work related notifications, and leisure becomes work at the swipe of a screen. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, how to say no at work All of this can lead to feelings of anxiety and exhaustion. The goal here is to set clear boundaries that bring predictability and clarity around work time and demands. This provides flexibility which is empowering rather than exploitative. Finally, "precarity" refers to a lack of stability and security in life. It refers specifically to a harmful state of uncertainty which is typically associated with job insecurity (zero hours contracts for example). This uncertainty and insecurity can dominate daily work time (and free time), leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also have a negative impact on personal finances and career plans. From RTÉ 2fm's Laura Fox show, do you suffer from betterment burnout? Income and contract security can help here, although people working in insecure jobs often have little power when it comes to persuading their employers to make the necessary changes. But addressing the deteriorating relationship between employees and their work means confronting certain core conditions. Reflecting on the psychosocial elements of employment can help to identify the gap between expectation and actual experience. Before experiencing burnout or resorting to quitting (in any of its forms), this approach encourages employees and employers to reflect on two key questions. How does work make you feel? And what are the things that cause those feelings? Research on psychosocial work environments provides some guidance. It suggests that workers are more likely to thrive when they have autonomy that feels like control rather than abandonment, and flexibility and clarity that allows for a good work-life balance. They also need security that offers certainty in the present – and confidence in the future.
