Portland is expecting 123,000 new households in the city by 2035, so it's proposed a new residential infill policy to accommodate all those people. A new report argues, however, that the policy could have a chilling effect on infill development.
"The city of Portland is considering whether to change zoning rules to create more room to build affordable housing and accommodate future growth, according to an article by Kieran Hanrahan.
"Portland’s Residential Infill Project would change residential zones that only allow single-family homes to allow duplexes and triplexes," explains Hanrahan, who also describes such housing types as the "'missing middle' between houses and large apartment buildings."
An October post by Portland for Everyone described the Residential Infill Project as a solution for the proliferation of McMansions around Portland—a very different angle than the growth concerns examined by Hanrahan's article. Along those lines, Hanrahan examines a new economic study completed by Jerry Johnson, principal of Johnson Economics. According to the study, by reducing the allowed maximum size of homes the Residential Infill Project "would make redeveloping homes less appealing to developers."
FULL STORY: Portland’s Residential Infill Project May Have Caveats
Portland to Consider New Residential Infill Regulations
The city of Portland's new residential infill ordinance would reduce the number of 1:1 demolitions—which often convert older, affordable homes into expensive McMansions.
Residential Infill Regulations Designed to Slow the Advance of McMansions
The city of Portland, Oregon is considering new regulations to limit the kinds of homes that can be built in existing neighborhoods.
Portland's Inclusionary Zoning Effect Measured, Criticized
It's been over four years since the city of Portland implemented an inclusionary zoning policy that required all new apartment developments to set aside a portion of units for low- and moderate-income housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps
New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.
This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors
A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.
Commentary: Our Silence Will Not Protect Us
Keeping our heads down and our language inoffensive is not the right response to the times we’re in. Solidarity and courage is.
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)