The city is looking for ways to boost housing production, anticipating a growing population.
According to an article by Tom Daykin in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee officials are considering changing the city’s zoning code to encourage more housing production in commercial areas. “Those revisions, which need approval from the Common Council and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, would be a first step towards Johnson’s vision of eventually increasing Milwaukee’s population to 1 million.”
Proposals also include upzoning — increasing the allowable density — single-family neighborhoods to permit duplexes, townhouses, and other small multi-family housing types, and permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) more widely.
Another proposal would eliminate floor area ratio (FAR) in favor of height limits, setbacks, and other standards that limit the size of developments.
Industry experts say the city could also cut development costs by offering pre-approved plans and creating more tax incremental financing districts. “Those districts use property tax revenue from new developments to pay their costs.”
FULL STORY: Milwaukee wants 1 million people and more housing. Zoning code changes are a first step
‘Growing MKE’ Zoning Reform Plan Would Expand Milwaukee Housing Options
Proponents of the plan say the changes would help reverse decades of discriminatory housing policies.
A Look at Milwaukee’s Proposed Zoning Reform
The proposed changes would permit more flexible housing development while limiting changes in historic neighborhoods and on smaller streets.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
As Trump Phases Out FEMA, Is It Time to Flee the Floodplains?
With less federal funding available for disaster relief efforts, the need to relocate at-risk communities is more urgent than ever.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)