Some residents feared proposed zoning reforms aimed at redressing historic injustices could harm residents in the short term.

In a piece for Next City co-published with El Paso Matters, Christian De Jesus Betancourt explores the potential for El Paso’s zoning reforms to begin reversing the impact of historic decisions that impacted low-income neighborhoods and perpetuated discriminatory policies.
“City officials say the aim is to create inclusive and healthy neighborhoods by targeting historic disinvestment and redlining through incentivizing infill and mixed-used developments, diversifying housing options, encouraging landmark preservation and expanding sustainable development practices.” But for some community activists, the zoning changes could bring displacement. For example, the hundreds of residents of one public housing complex vacated by the city under its Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program in 2019 are still waiting for temporary housing.
As the article explains, “The new codes — including amended setback standards, removing minimum parking requirements and legalizing existing tenements — could be adopted in April or July of 2024 and broken into two phases, with more straightforward modifications first, followed by larger ones after receiving feedback from the public.” If the city succeeds, it could be a first step toward regaining community trust.
FULL STORY: Can El Paso’s Zoning Reform Help Address Historic Injustices?

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side
The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023
The world is changing, and planning with it.

More Affordable Housing for People, Less for Cars
Most jurisdictions have off-street parking requirements that increase motorists’ convenience but reduce housing affordability. It’s time to reform these policies for the sake of efficiency and fairness.

Seattle Council Rejects Transportation Impact Fee
Councilmembers who opposed the proposal say the fee would have slowed housing development and raised housing costs.

FHWA Issues Emissions Tracking Rule
The agency will require states to monitor transportation emissions and create plans to address air pollution.

FTA Proposes Measures to Prevent Transit Operator Fatigue
Public transit is the only type of transportation not already subject to ‘hours of service’ and fatigue risk management regulations.
University of New Mexico - School of Architecture & Planning
Placer County
San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Arizona State University, Ten Across
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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.