RHLS Staff Attorney, Bob Damewood, was honored with an Excellence Award from the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN) at a virtual ceremony on March 23rd (hyperlink to recording of ceremony). Bob received the award in the winter of 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the celebration of the award at the annual Excellence Awards dinner.
The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network Excellence Awards are presented each year to individuals, groups, and/or organizations that have established excellence and diligence improving the availability and quality of civil legal services for low-income people and victims of domestic violence in Pennsylvania. Bob was nominated for his work on the issue of inclusionary zoning in Pittsburgh.
What is Inclusionary Zoning?
Inclusionary Zoning refers to laws that require developers to set aside a certain percentage of apartments in new buildings for residents whose incomes are lower than the area average, as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Area Median Income (AMI) calculations. Inclusionary Zoning can be a powerful tool to ensure that housing development does not price out existing community residents in areas with rapidly rising housing costs.
Why is it important in Pittsburgh?
In 2015 Bob worked with the Housing Alliance to produce the report, “Building Inclusive Communities: A Review of Local Conditions, Legal Authority and Best Practices for Pittsburgh.” This report found that as of 2015, Pittsburgh had a shortage of almost 22,000 units for low-income renters.
This report spurred action from policymakers, elected officials, and community activists and led to a City Task Force to study the problem of rapid gentrification, and ultimately a series of hearings around the issue of Inclusionary Zoning. Bob was a constant presence at these hearings and gave consistently valuable input.
What is an Interim Planning Overlay District (IPOD)?
In the summer of 2019, years of advocacy came to fruition in the form of a bill sent to the Mayor by the City Council. This bill created an Interim Planning Overlay District, or IPOD. An IPOD district is one where 10% of the units in every new construction development are set aside as affordable housing for families and individuals making up to 30% of AMI.
This IPOD will guarantee long-term affordable housing in Pittsburgh. In addition, it will set the standard for future developments across the country as policymakers will be able to incorporate its success into future policy.
Bob is the recipient of many past awards for his work in affordable housing, and we honor his commitment to advocacy.