The rough economy has made code officers negotiators between irked neighbors and entrepreneurs trying to make a living in their living rooms.
Imagine being a planner who's called in to broker a solution between one neighbor who opens a hair and tanning salon in a garage, and another neighbor who's mad about the sudden lack of street parking. It's happening in cities across the country, including Nashville Tennessee, where city managers are attempting to change zoning codes to accommodate home-based businesses while preserving neighborhood peace.
Nashville planning director Rich Bernhardt tells the Wall Street Journal's Jennifer Levitz "we've got to recognize the changing and evolving economic environment of today without changing the character of neighborhoods." Unemployment in the Nashville metro area is over 9%. Bernhardt estimates there are now 14.000 licensed businesses operating illegally because they're located in residential areas.
New Jersey is looking to loosen zoning laws on a state level, to make it easier for municipalities to approve home-based ventures. State Republican Rep. Jay Webber says its important to offer a "save haven for the temporarily unemployed."
The Impact of Local Entrepreneurship on Neighborhood Revitalization
Explore how local entrepreneurship boosts neighborhood revitalization, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing community bonds. Learn about the supportive role urban planners play in fostering sustainable business ecosystems.
How AI Envisions American Neighborhoods
How well does artificial intelligence ‘get’ U.S. cities?
How Does an Economic Downturn Impact City Infrastructure?
From budget cuts to delayed maintenance projects, cities adapt, prioritize, and innovate amidst financial challenges to ensure sustainable and resilient urban environments.
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?
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
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.
San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park
The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.
Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites
Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.
Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform
A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.
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.
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
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