Zoning Reform
Southern Utah tackles housing crisis with smaller homes, career support for construction workers
St. George and other communities are feeling the strain of a rapidly growing population.
San Diego wants to limit upzoning law to just 16% of transit-adjacent parcels
The city's planning director says some areas are unfit for immediate upzoning due to a lack of resources or hazards such as wildfire risk.
Review: "An Even Better Way to Zone"
Don Elliot’s sophisticated and much-anticipated follow up to "A Better Way to Zone" tackles equity, affordability and provides a better blueprint from theory to application.
Study: Urban Institute analysis underestimates zoning reform impacts
A new analysis reveals a more significant growth in housing supply after zoning changes than an Urban Institute study shows.
Philadelphia gained 4,000 new housing permits per year after upzoning
The Urban Institute found that zoning reforms in Philadelphia and New York led to a boom in housing permits, especially when coupled with other policy and financial tools.
Five simple zoning changes that any city can make to increase housing affordability
Zoning for more affordable housing is not rocket science, says Donald Elliot, author of "An Even Better Way to Zone." Here’s his five-step guide to getting started.
Charleston Creates ‘Workforce Housing District’ With Permanent Affordability
The city has a goal of adding 3,500 new housing units by 2032.
Missoula Approves Zoning Reform Emphasizing More Diverse Housing, Walkability
The city’s new zoning code, map, and development standards will guide more expansive housing options and improved walkability.
St. Pete Breaks Ground on First Industrial Zone Housing Project
A 2020 law allows cities to permit residential developments on formerly industrial land.
Vancouver Set to Adopt Game-changing Citywide Development Plan
To comply with new provincial law, Vancouver will adopt a new city plan aimed at guiding development for the next three decades.
LA Metro Opposes TOD Law, Fearing Backlash to Transit Expansion
Metro wants an exemption from California’s new housing law, despite the law’s potential to increase ridership by putting more housing near transit stations.
Planning Trends for 2026: States and Cities Take Initiative, Passenger Rail Gains Steam, and the Costs of AI Revealed
With federal funding for everything from transportation projects to housing assistance under threat, city and state governments are poised to take a stronger role in building strong, resilient local economies and public services.
Arlington’s New Form-Based Zoning Designed to Guide a Cohesive Public Realm
Form-based zoning focuses on the design of buildings and how they interact with the public realm.
2025 Brought Seismic Changes to California Housing Laws
New state laws and policies created in reaction to devastating wildfires could spell massive changes for Southern California’s housing landscape.
What Actually Got Built Under Eric Adams’ ‘Pro-Housing’ Administration
The outgoing mayor claims credit for hundreds of thousands of new homes. The truth is more complicated.
Over 90% of Massachusetts Towns Have Changed Zoning to Comply With MBTA Communities Law
Massachusetts municipalities have until December 31 to adjust their zoning codes or face the potential loss of state funding.
Staten Island Resists ‘City of Yes’ Zoning Reforms
One year after New York City approved major zoning changes, some residents continue to fight increased density.
Seattle Adopts a New Growth Plan, but Major Zoning Battles are Just Beginning
Approving the comprehensive plan update is just the first step in rewriting the city’s zoning code to accommodate more density and affordable housing.
St. Pete Allows Housing on Church Land, a Florida First
Religious institutions can now build housing on their properties without rezoning.
Nashville Allows More Detached ADUs, Courtyard Apartments
The city has been considering a series of zoning reform bills designed to diversify housing options.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
