Planning Magazine examines how cities are encouraging multifamily projects and higher densities.
"Today cities are seeking to return to the earlier model by encouraging neighborhoods to increase their densities and the diversity of their housing types. New projects range from 500-square-foot triplexes to luxury high-rise infill towers.
...While these projects face challenges, from zoning to financing to NIMBY-ism, communities have identified the traits of workable projects and are developing practices that promote success. The result could be a move toward increased neighborhood densities through small-scale multifamily projects.
...Despite the roadblocks, small multifamily projects can succeed. Portland is seeing a steady increase in multidwelling projects in existing neighborhoods â€" 66 percent of all apartment and row house permits from 1997 to 2004 were for projects in medium-density residential zones, according to Bill Cunningham, manager of the city's infill design project, which offers guidance on how to integrate infill projects into their surroundings.
Good placement, planning, and design connect infill projects to the surrounding fabric, making them more acceptable to residents. Cunningham notes that residents are now living in new infill projects in medium-density residential zones and not just in redeveloped areas such as the Pearl District."
Thanks to American Planning Association
FULL STORY: The Power of Infilltration
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