A major change in the way residential development takes place will force smaller developers to change the way they compete.
"Flush with cash, many of the super-builders are sidestepping traditional development companies. They're buying their own large tracts, getting approvals, finishing land and building on their own lots. They enjoy the higher margins of land development and control over lot delivery in a timely and cost effective manner... Now, as creators of communities themselves, they must think more about the bigger picture of what it will take to make a group of homes livable... As the super-builders take over more of the industry, we may see a homogenization of construction styles because there are fewer builders to choose among. The innovation, creativity and local flavor of a smaller builder is lost. The result will be much like what happens when Wal-Mart moves into a new area, bringing standardized products in the place of the sometimes quirky, individual tastes of owner-operated stores."
Thanks to The Practice of New Urbanism
FULL STORY: Home builders developing commercial characteristics

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
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Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
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