The former HUD secretary urges the Emerald City to make efficient use of land and increase densities, while advocating for the introduction of tax-increment financing and inclusionary zoning.
"Seattle is a very special city that has garnered 'the best' status numerous times. But, like cities all across the country, it has a housing crisis. Fewer than 50 percent of Seattle's workers live in the city, leading to many other urban problems. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is right in calling the lack of affordable housing in Seattle and elsewhere a 'silent epidemic.'
"With respect to making sites available, revising zoning policies changes the capacity of the land by increasing allowable densities and reducing minimum lot size. In the Williamsburg section of New York City, 10,000 homes were built; 3,500 were affordable through this strategy.
We are in a new time, with new imperatives, and it is worth looking at zoning with a fresh eye."
FULL STORY: Exploring strategies to solve housing crunch
How Smaller Supermarkets Could Transform American Communities
Bigger is not always better.
Research Links Urban Design and Human Happiness
An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body.
Save Lives on Our Roads Using the Safe System Approach
Prioritizing safety and committing to the SSA framework can make a big impact in the effort to reduce traffic fatalities.
How AI Is Revolutionizing Urban Forestry and Climate Resilience
Tree-D Fusion, an AI-driven tool developed by MIT and Purdue researchers, generates 3D models of urban trees to help city planners visualize future green spaces, address climate challenges, and enhance urban livability and sustainability.
Key Climate and Health Issues to Watch in 2025
The escalating health impacts of climate change, from extreme heat to sea level rise, highlight the urgent need for integrated medical education, proactive communication, and sustainable policy solutions to protect public health.
Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis
Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
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.
City of Oxford
Caltrans - District 7
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport