Incremental changes to density on single-family parcels could boost the nation’s housing stock without dramatic impacts at the neighborhood level.
A new analysis shows that even small-scale upzoning in metropolitan areas could provide a substantial amount of new housing. '[Issi Romem] found that even modest densification efforts could have significant impact nationwide—across the 17 metro areas analyzed, allowing 10 percent of single-family lots to house two units instead of one could yield almost 3.3 million additional housing units—and especially in California," writes Patrick Sisson.
In addition, Romem argues that such upzoning, which would largely involve accessory dwelling units and smaller multi-family residential buildings, would not drastically change the character of neighborhoods. The densification would be less concentrated than other housing strategies, but it would provide environmental benefits and also keep home prices from increasing substantially.
As a result, it would be a more politically feasible alternative in a state like California. "It’s the 'missing middle' proposal, a reference to types of smaller multi-unit housing structures that traditionally provided more affordable housing, but tend to not be built today due to land costs and other economic pressures," adds Sisson.
FULL STORY: Why California, and the nation, shouldn’t be afraid of density and upzoning
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
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