The city is looking for ways to boost housing production, anticipating a growing population.
According to an article by Tom Daykin in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee officials are considering changing the city’s zoning code to encourage more housing production in commercial areas. “Those revisions, which need approval from the Common Council and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, would be a first step towards Johnson’s vision of eventually increasing Milwaukee’s population to 1 million.”
Proposals also include upzoning — increasing the allowable density — single-family neighborhoods to permit duplexes, townhouses, and other small multi-family housing types, and permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) more widely.
Another proposal would eliminate floor area ratio (FAR) in favor of height limits, setbacks, and other standards that limit the size of developments.
Industry experts say the city could also cut development costs by offering pre-approved plans and creating more tax incremental financing districts. “Those districts use property tax revenue from new developments to pay their costs.”
FULL STORY: Milwaukee wants 1 million people and more housing. Zoning code changes are a first step
‘Growing MKE’ Zoning Reform Plan Would Expand Milwaukee Housing Options
Proponents of the plan say the changes would help reverse decades of discriminatory housing policies.
A Look at Milwaukee’s Proposed Zoning Reform
The proposed changes would permit more flexible housing development while limiting changes in historic neighborhoods and on smaller streets.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland