Land Use

Peachtree Street Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Cities Weigh Zoning Changes

The southern city’s growth is prompting questions about how to increase the housing supply, maintain affordability, and accommodate new residents.

April 11, 2023 - Atlanta Civic Circle

A large mansion is visible on a hill with the sprawling desert settlement of Rancho Mirage, California in the background.

Events on Rural ‘Ranchos’ Cause Zoning Controversy in the Coachella Valley

Large events featuring live music have become popular on Coachella Valley ranchos. Some locals want to create a new land use category to clarify the rules about noise generated from the events.

April 10, 2023 - News Channel 3

Aerial view of buildings and parking lots in Missoula, Montana

Montana Legislature Considering Historic Package of Pro-Housing Development Bills

State legislators agree the cost of housing is a growing problem, but there is little consensus on how to boost the supply of affordable housing.

April 10, 2023 - The Missoulian

Multistory wood frame apartment building under construction against blue sky

Upzoning Modestly Increases Housing Supply and Affordability, Study Says

A new study by researchers at the Urban Institute finds new evidence that upzoning produces housing supply and reduces costs, while downzoning does the opposite.

April 9, 2023 - Urban Institute

Zoning Code Rendering

Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan Still Searching for Zoning Alignment

The vision set forth in one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking comprehensive plans in recent memory has yet to align with the practical realities of zoning in Minneapolis.

April 9, 2023 - Star Tribune

Colorado

Fort Collins Code Update Rescinded Due to ADU Opposition

It’s back to the drawing board for a development code update in Fort Collins, Colorado, after residents revolted against zoning reforms that include by-right development of accessory dwelling units.

April 7, 2023 - The Coloradoan

British Columbia residential Neighborhoods

British Columbia Asserts Provincial Control Over Density

The Canadian province plans to override local opposition to loosening zoning regulations that restrict the housing supply.

April 6, 2023 - The Globe and Mail

Outdoor Recreation

Colorado Mountain Communities Line Up to Oppose Statewide Zoning Reforms

State preemption isn’t going over well with local government officials in the remote corners of Colorado.

April 6, 2023 - Vail Daily

View of joggers on Brooklyn Bridge Park trail in foreground with Brooklyn-Queens Expressway traffic in background and brick buildings behind the highway

Expressway Expansion Could Threaten Brooklyn Bridge Park

Supporters of the waterfront park worry NYCDOT’s plan to potentially widen the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway could reduce green space in “one of the most expensive urban parks ever built.”

April 6, 2023 - StreetsBlog NYC

The buildings of the Florida State Capitol, old and new, are visible across a lawn in front of the old building.

Florida Law Bans Rent Control Statewide

The DeSantis administration has a signature housing bill. Florida has $711 million in funding for housing programs. Local governments have less power over zoning.

April 6, 2023 - Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Boise Idaho

Proposed Update to Boise Zoning Code Would Boost Density, Discourage Sprawl

A years-long process has culminated in a proposal that would encourage the creation of affordable housing, promote transit-oriented development, and position the city for less car-oriented growth.

April 5, 2023 - Idaho Statesman

Aerial view of neighborhood with homes along a bayou surrounded by green trees in Sugar Land, Texas

A Rapidly Urbanizing Texas County Gets in Touch With its Agricultural Roots

Developers in Fort Bend County are drawing inspiration from ‘agrihoods’ to build car-light communities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas.

April 4, 2023 - Urban Edge

Modern small-lot homes in north Dallas suburb

Code Reforms to Ease the Housing Crisis

Ten recommendations for zoning code changes that could make housing more affordable.

April 3, 2023 - Congress For New Urbanism

Aerial view of Interstate 35 bridge over river into downtown Austin, Texas with skyline in background

Controversial Highway Widening Breaks Ground in Austin

Texas’ transportation priorities were on display in March—a few days after the gutting of a transit plan, a highway expansion broke ground depite years of local opposition.

April 3, 2023 - KUT

Florida

Comparing Downtown Recovery Across U.S. Cities

The Downtown Vitality Index measures how central cities are adjusting to post-pandemic conditions.

April 3, 2023 - Washington Business Journal

View of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia from middle of road busy with cars and buses

Vancouver Council Denies Proposal to Limit Broadway Plan Growth

A proposed ‘pace of change’ policy would have restricted the number of development proposals the city would accept in an effort to limit displacement of existing residents in affordable, low-rise rental units.

April 2, 2023 - Daily Hive

Detroit Sports Arena

$616 Million in Development Incentives Approved for District Detroit

The “Transformational Brownfield” incentives approved by the Detroit City Council for the $1.5 billion District Detroit still require approval by the state.

March 31, 2023 - Detroit Free Press

A red sign reads, “Welcome to New Canaan.”

Affordable Housing Development Rejected for Lack of Third Staircase in Connecticut

The New Canaan Planning Commission rejected a development proposal, including 31 below-market-rate apartments, for lack of a third staircase, among other reasons, at a time when advocates are pushing to relax two-staircase requirements.

March 31, 2023 - Stamford Advocate

Parking lot with yellow concrete bars adjacent to green grass

Maps: How Much of Your City is Parking?

The percentage of land dedicated to parking in the central districts of major U.S. cities ranges from 4 percent to as much as 42 percent.

March 31, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

Main Street Sign with Traffic Light in the Background in Downtown Houston, Texas

Part of Houston’s Main Street to Be Permanently Pedestrianized

A seven-block stretch downtown will remain closed to cars after the success of a pandemic-era outdoor dining program.

March 30, 2023 - Houston Chronicle

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