Denver has a reputation for building new residential units to accommodate its rapid growth. But the incoming class of new city councilmembers brings strong anti-development politics.
"The Denver City Council's next class will take office in mid-July with the most new members in more than a decade and will have up to three new voices questioning development policies," reports Jon Murray.
"In a runoff Tuesday for central Denver's open District 10 seat, Wayne New, who made aggressive development in Cherry Creek North a motivating factor in his campaign, defeated Anna Jones, a community development consultant," according to Murray. Moreover, "New joins councilman-elect Rafael Espinoza, from northwest District 1, and Paul Kashmann, from southeast District 6, as more skeptical voices on the issue."
Despite the unprecedented turnover on the Denver City Council, local political analysts quoted by Murray expect some policies changes regarding development as a result of the new councilmembers, but the city's strong mayoral system should limit the possibility of any drastic institutional change.
Denver's development climate is of particular interest due to the city's strong growth trends. Much of the public narrative about Denver's development in recent years has been devoted to transit oriented development in the urban core, yet development controversies in suburban cities and explosive growth on the city's fringes might be the more impactful trends to watch in the region.
FULL STORY: Denver elections add three new skeptical development voices to City Council
Co-Living Redefined by Denver City Council
Over the strong opposition from neighborhood groups, the Denver City Council has approved new regulations that allow up to five unrelated individuals to live in the same household.
Neighborhood Group Kills Affordable Housing Proposal on Parking Concerns in Denver
An affordable housing project requested a waiver of parking requirements to build 36 deeply affordable housing units in Denver. A local neighborhood organization's opposition to the waiver won the day.
Controversy Over View Plane Grows in Denver
While view planes are protected for public places in Denver, a group of private property owners are agitating as a new apartment building rises on the edge of the city.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.
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.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie