Zoning Reform
Baltimore Residents Skeptical of Zoning Reform Efforts
The city is changing zoning codes to proote more multifamily housing development.
Seattle’s Zoning Reform Could Unlock a ‘Multiplex Boom’
A package of stackable density bonuses could make it easier for developers to build 12-plexes.
September Must-Reads: Top 10 Articles From Last Month
EV drivers can no longer use carpool lanes alone, Bay Area transit is saved — for now — by a $750 million loan, and a Florida commuter rail line loses its state subsidy, jeopardizing its future.
Harvard Report Cites Zoning, Construction Costs as Obstacles to New Housing
Zoning restrictions and onerous building codes make mid-sized multifamily housing prohibitively expensive or illegal to build.
Boston Upzoning Proposal Moves Forward
The Boston Planning Department approved a proposal that would raise allowable building heights in downtown and streamline permitting for small businesses.
San Francisco Mayor’s ‘Family Zoning’ Plan Faces Pushback, Displacement Concerns
Newly proposed legislation aims to protect long-term tenants from displacement caused by Mayor Lurie’s proposed zoning reform plan, which would allow for more housing construction in parts of the city.
‘Montana Miracle:’ The State Actually Succeeding at Housing Reform
A series of ambitious zoning reforms is having a significant impact on the state’s housing supply.
Poll: 2/3 of Virginians Don’t Trust Local Governments to Address Housing Crisis
Three-quarters of residents say the state needs to do more to address housing supply and affordability.
NYC's Plan to add 9500+ Housing Units to Midtown
The city council approved a rezoning plan that will allow high-density mixed-use development in a formerly manufacturing-only district.
The Matchmakers Bringing Churches and Developers Together
Several groups are serving as mediators for faith-based development, helping congregations access funding, navigate long-term development processes, and avoid developer exploitation.
Proposed ‘ROAD to Housing’ Bill Tackles Housing Affordability
The bill is a bipartisan effort in the Senate to ease regulations for housing development and reward cities and states that support pro-housing policies.
Data: Rent Dropping in ‘Pro-Housing’ Cities
Zoning deregulation seems to be having a strong impact on rent prices in some of the nation’s largest cities.
Bend, Oregon Zoning Reforms Prioritize Small-Scale Housing
The city altered its zoning code to allow multi-family housing and eliminated parking mandates citywide.
Connecticut Governor Vetoes Housing Bill
Gov. Lamont reversed his view on a controversial affordable housing bill that would have required municipalities to zone for set amounts of affordable housing to receive state funding.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
The court rejected an argument that the MBTA Communities law, which requires zoning for multifamily housing, is an “unfunded mandate.”
NYC Council Approves Brooklyn Rezoning Plan
The Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan includes infrastructure investments and could bring 4,600 new housing units to parts of Brooklyn.
Seattle’s Upzoning Plan is Ambitious, Light on Details
The city passed a ‘bare-bones’ framework to comply with state housing laws that paves the way for more middle housing, but the debate over how and where to build is just getting started.
Dallas Code Reform Makes Way for Missing Middle Housing
The Dallas City Council voted to change the city’s building code to allow up to eight residential units in three-story buildings.
Texas Bills Aim to Tackle Housing Affordability
One proposed bill would raise the threshold for neighbor opposition to new development.
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 Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
