Interactive platforms help stakeholders visualize and understand the challenges faced by planners in distributing new housing construction, building infrastructure, and other projects.
How do you convince NIMBYs to support new housing construction? Gamify it. At least, that’s what some cities are trying with a simulation tool called Balancing Act, writes Patrick Sisson for Bloomberg. “Using a map-based visual interface, the interactive tool allowed online participants to decide where they would zone and permit additional housing, and submit their own maps to meet the state-mandated housing production goals (known as the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, or RHNA).”
Fairfax Mayor Stephanie Hellman launched the tool as part of public outreach efforts after the city received its latest RHNA housing allocation, which requires Fairfax to add 490 housing units. According to Sisson, “Instead of going site by site and inviting public wrath over specific development proposals, Balancing Act forced users to confront the challenges planners face, providing context and allowing them to weigh multiple options.”
Simulations like Balancing Act are playing a growing role in public meetings and planning, letting stakeholders visualize the potential impacts of planning decisions. As Chris Adams, president of Engaged Public (the company that created Balancing Act) puts it, “The way to have a successful public conversation is to frame it appropriately and have [people] oriented to solving the problem, instead of just inviting complaining.”
FULL STORY: The Tech That Tries to Tackle NIMBYs
San Francisco Must Streamline Permitting Process
After failing to meet state targets for housing production, the city must create a shorter permitting process under a 2023 state law.
First Full Builder’s Remedy Application Filed in Santa Monica
In the time that it took Santa Monica to bring its housing plan into compliance with state requirements, a developer filed over a dozen preliminary applications under the obscure ‘builder’s remedy’ policy.
San Diego Not Meeting State Housing Goals
Based on the number of permits issued for new construction in the last year, the city must triple its production to meet the targets set by the state in the latest round of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
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Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
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LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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