NIMBYism in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities contributes to a severe housing shortage and soaring housing costs.
A Texas Monthly piece by Megan Kimble explains the uphill battle faced by housing advocates in Austin, where rents rose by 40 percent between March 2020 and June of this year and families struggle to find affordable housing.
“Since the pandemic began, home prices have increased faster in the capital than almost anywhere else in the country.” Yet the city’s development code, which dictates where different types of housing can be built, was last updated in 1984, meaning the city still guides development based on a time when the population was half as large. Today, building housing is a case-by-case, neighborhood by neighborhood process that leads to drawn-out fights and a prolonged housing shortage.
Kimble argues that the NIMBYism exhibited by many Texas communities has prevented many housing developments from going forward, exacerbating the state’s persistent housing shortage. The article details some specific cases and goes on to explain how zoning can prevent small, vocal groups from gaining outsized influence and blocking beneficial affordable housing projects.
FULL STORY: Why Bringing More Affordable Housing to Austin Is a Block-by-Block Battle
Report: How States Can Improve Housing Policy
While many policies that affect housing are decided on at the local level, there are several steps state officials can take to pave the way for healthier housing markets.
YIMBYs Leading the Pro-Density Fight
Minneapolis has become an inspiration to other cities about how to successfully challenge NIMBY factions that oppose density and zoning reform.
Coming Soon: A 3D-Printed Neighborhood
The march of progress continues.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.
How San Diego Camping Ban Could Impact Neighborhoods
An ordinance supported by the city’s mayor would bar people from sleeping on the street near shelters or services, but critics say it will simply push people to other neighborhoods and put them farther away from the supportive services they need.
Expanding Access to Golf in South Los Angeles
L.A. County’s Maggie Hathaway Golf Course getting up to $15 Million from U.S. Open Community Legacy Project to expand access to the sport in South L.A.
Opinion: Failed Housing Bills Could Signal California-Style Housing Crisis in Texas
Legislators in a state that so often touts its policies as the opposite of California’s defeated several bills that would have made housing construction easier, leading to concerns that a constricted housing market may exacerbate the housing crisis.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Bangor
Park City Municipal Corporation
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
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.
