New data from the 2015 Saint Index shows what projects provoke the most opposition in the United States when proposed "In your community."
Support for new U.S. commercial development projects is trending up in virtually all categories according to The Saint Index survey of U.S. residents. The survey has been tracking opposition to development since 2006 and is showing more support than opposition for new development projects for the first time in the study’s history. Of all of the land use project types tested, only aggregate quarries and power plants have increased opposition while support for home improvement centers, grocery stores and even Walmart is way up.
While support for new development is growing, the news is not all good for developers. 72 percent of Americans said their communities are overbuilt or fine just the way they are indicating a significant hurdle for new development. Distrust and cynicism over the process by which local land use decisions are made continues to cast a shadow with 61 percent believing their community does fair to poor deciding what gets built and 54 percent believing that the relationship between local officials and developers makes the process unfair.
FULL STORY: The Saint Index
Support for Walmart Grows Nationally
Opposition to Walmart is now holding at just 50 percent, when people are asked how they would feel if a Walmart was proposed "in your community." Support for Walmart is up 16 percentage points since 2006.
The Evolving Attitude of Environmentalists
Passage of a bill in Berkeley that allows taller buildings to be built in the city's downtown illustrates changing attitudes about development amongst environmentalists.
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.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
Comprehensive Parking Supply, Cost, and Price Analysis
Every time somebody purchases a vehicle they expect governments and businesses to provide parking for their use. These facilities are costly. For every dollar motorists spend on their vehicles somebody spends about a dollar on parking.
Learning From Wildfire Evacuations
Researchers are working to understand how people behave during wildfire events and how to most effectively get people to safety during deadly fires.
Parking Reform Yields New Housing
As more cities eliminate or reduce their minimum parking requirements, the impact on housing supply is coming into focus.
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.
Berkeley County
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)
Ada County Highway District
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland