The city has grown its housing stock and limited rent cost increase to just 1 percent.
Minneapolis zoning reforms had a rough go of it in 2023, but data from the last several years reveal that the city’s efforts to change restrictive land use policies have resulted in a 12 percent increase in the city’s housing stock—and just a 1 percent growth in rent costs, compared to a 14 percent jump in the rest of Minnesota. “In fact, the city has the slowest rent-growth rate among the country’s major growing municipalities,” according to Route Fifty’s Molly Bolan.
“Policies around parking and permitting near commercial areas and public transit were the two most important steps in encouraging housing construction,” Alex Horowitz, director of Pew Charitable Trusts’ housing policy team, told Route Fifty. These policies led to almost 21,000 new permitted housing units.
“Surprisingly, eliminating single-family zoning and allowing two-to-four-unit buildings on all residential lots in the city—the policy that garnered the most attention nationwide—accounted for only 1% of new permits.” However, Horowitz points out that these reforms will also help increase the housing stock over a longer term.
FULL STORY: Do land-use reforms spur housing development? You betcha.
Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners
Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.
Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley
Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.
Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities
Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.
Denver Voters Approve Downtown Revitalization Bonds
The city wants to bring new projects and residents to the downtown core, where 13 million feet of vacant office and retail space await new tenants.
Seattle Has No Plans to Ditch Parking Requirements
An update to the city’s comprehensive plan will reduce, but not fully eliminate, parking mandates for housing developments.
Future of Public Lands Looks Litigious Under Trump
Experts say monuments and “unappropriated” federal lands will likely be the target for expanded drilling, mining, and other development under a new Trump administration.
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.
University of Southern California
City of Meridian
University of Calgary
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Detroit Regional Partnership
San Joaquin LAFCo
City of South Portland