Despite its economic dynamism, Mumbai is known for a lack of adequate housing. Citywide increases to maximum Floor Space Indices (i.e., Floor Area Ratios) will increase living space per resident, provided the right redevelopment takes place.

People from all over India want to live in Mumbai, with its plentiful economic opportunities and vibrant urban culture. Matthew Yglesias reports on an urban policy change that might help them migrate without settling in slums.
Since long before Mumbai became a sprawling metropolis of 12 million people, local policies limited development to a maximum of 1.33 FSI in the central city (1.00 FSI in outlying suburbs). Equivalent to American floor area ratio (FAR), FSI measures built floor space against total lot size. There is a proposal in place to raise FSI to as high as eight in some districts.
Substantial increases to allowed FSI will spur denser construction in lower-income areas, reducing the need for unregulated slum and shantytown development. The article speculates on the possibility of similar initiatives in other Indian cities to accommodate migrants. However, slum redevelopment always runs the risk of disrupting the urban fabric and the lives of residents.
FULL STORY: The most important urban policy story in the world is happening in India

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.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
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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.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits
The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.

Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods
Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.
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