How the journey of one zoning reform campaign can inform future efforts.

When Portland requested public comment on its residential infill project in early 2020, "the in-person public commentary came to 106 in favor of pro-housing reform and 30 opposed," signaling overwhelming support for a frequently controversial form of rezoning, writes Michael Andersen. Thanks to the work of a vast network of community activists, planners, developers, and city staff, the proposal gained the support needed to make Portland one of the nation's first big cities to begin reversing the status quo of single-family zoning.
"The result was an unprecedented reform, legalizing up to four homes by right on almost any residential lot," permitting three-story buildings, and eliminating residential parking requirements in an effort to create more affordable housing in the city. "Portland’s most optimistic projection of the short-term impact comes out to 1,200 net additional homes per year, enough to increase the city’s annual housing production by roughly 20 percent," which could amount to a 12 percent reduction in the median rent.
Andersen's article details the eight situations when the reform could have died. These include NIMBY resistance, a lack of representation in initial community input, displacement disputes, and other scenarios that typically doom such initiatives to failure. "Whatever may or may not get built, there is no question that this reform’s unlikely five-year journey to passage offers political lessons for similar cities pursuing zoning and policy changes."
FULL STORY: THE EIGHT DEATHS OF PORTLAND’S RESIDENTIAL INFILL PROJECT

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

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

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

Nine Ways to Use Curb Space That Aren’t Parking
California’s new daylighting law bans parking within 20 feet of crosswalks. How can cities best use this space?

ADUs for Sale? San Diego Could Legalize Backyard Condos
As one of 25 proposed amendments, San Diego may soon allow accessory dwelling units to be bought and sold as individual homes.

Dallas Ditches Parking Minimums in 14-1 Vote
The sweeping city council decision removes set parking requirements from developments downtown, near transit, small businesses and more.
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.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada