A local resident reviews an important new neighborhood plan in Austin from a pro-development and livability perspective.
Susan Somers reviews the North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Plan, released recently by the Planning and Zoning Department of the city of Austin.
"The plan is set to be the first new neighborhood plan in several years and City planning staff seem to have billed it as a kinder, gentler neighborhood plan: one that would try to fulfill the goals of Imagine Austin and identify new opportunities for growth," according to Somers. The plan also produces a little bit of a preview of the shape neighborhood plans might take in Austin when the city approves CodeNEXT, according to Somers.
Somers lists five things to like about the plan alongside five things to improve. Among the five things to like are support for apartments, walkability, and accessory dwelling units. On the list of things to improve are missing opportunities for missing middle housing types on corner lots, the sanctity of single-family homes in the "residential core," and more.
FULL STORY: Five Things to Like and Five to Improve for the North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Plan
Early Returns on Austin's New Density Bonus Program: 2,337 Affordable Housing Units
Since late 2019, developers who deliver affordable housing units in Austin have received bonuses in height, density, parking, and other regulatory metrics, leading to a large number of new affordable housing units in the pipeline.
Breaking: Austin Moving on from CodeNEXT
The city of Austin's ambitious process of rewriting its Land Development Code has lost political support.
Austin Reminded to Be Respectful While Debating CodeNEXT
A call for civility amid the great zoning debate in Austin, Texas.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie