There are lots of arguments available for people that want to oppose new housing projects, but what are a few guiding principles for framing a supportive and constructive housing conversation?
Anna Fahey presents the work of FrameWorks Institute in creating a blueprint for better messaging regarding housing.
FrameWorks Institute created the messaging recommendations for non-profit affordable housing developer Enterprise Community Partners, identifying six ways housing messages can backfire, and identifying ten ways to constructively reframe the conversation.
The list of messages "built to backfire" is a collection of "default patterns of thinking that hinder understanding of and support for affordability solutions." These are the arguments like "not in my backyard" and "crisis and fatalism" that will be familiar to anyone who has ever heard an argument opposing new housing, plus a few more perhaps new ways of looking at the why and how of housing opposition forces.
The ten ideas for a more constructive housing conversation includes recommendations like positioning people in stories about places and systems, stressing the connections between where we live and how we live, and focusing on positive change while acknowledging a history of inequality.
The article also includes a link to download a flashcard for easy reference of these ten guiding principles for positive and constructive housing messaging.
FULL STORY: A Blueprint for Better Housing Messages
YIMBY Right And Left: A Review of Two Books
A review of two books about the American housing crisis — one tailored to liberal readers, another tailored to conservative readers.
The Rise of Zoning Reform
As the housing affordability crisis spread from mainly coastal cities to the rest of the nation, cities and states are taking a serious look at outdated zoning codes that hamper efforts to build more housing.
The Problem With Tone Policing
One common criticism of pro-housing advocacy is that supporters of new housing are (in the words of one commentator) “arrogant.” But there is no reason to believe that this is any less true of their opponents.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Wind Energy on the Rise Despite Federal Policy Reversal
The Trump administration is revoking federal support for renewable energy, but demand for new projects continues unabated.
Passengers Flock to Caltrain After Electrification
The new electric trains are running faster and more reliably, leading to strong ridership growth on the Bay Area rail system.
Texas Churches Rally Behind ‘Yes in God’s Back Yard’ Legislation
Religious leaders want the state to reduce zoning regulations to streamline leasing church-owned land to housing developers.
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
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service