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
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie