Cities are rewriting the rules of development.
Thoughts on regulatory frameworks, uncertainty, and making things better.
Topics:
Shifting development regulations nationwide
Missing middle & affordable housing
A game’s rules are what define it—how would you play a game of basketball if neither team can agree on the fundamentals of what basketball is? Rules are a requirement, but sometimes they do have to change with the times.
In Boston, for example, Mayor Wu signed an executive order late last year with the intent of streamlining approvals for affordable housing projects. Some developers have supported regulatory improvements, while others point out that the existing framework is why affordable housing doesn’t get built in the first place—studies have shown that zoning laws in major cities often prevent multifamily development in at least 70% of residential areas.
A healthy regulatory environment, meanwhile, offers guidance and structure while creating smart, sustainable growth. Cities have a plethora of tools at their disposal to make that happen… they could embrace mixed-use zoning, reduce lot-size-minimums, rework urban growth boundaries, revisit minimum parking requirements, allow for more accessory dwelling units, and raise building height limits.
Additionally, a recent Zillow survey of homeowners and renters nationwide found broad community support for modest densification efforts. It’s the perfect time for cities to collaborate with developers to implement regulatory reforms that will make our communities more vibrant and more affordable.
Here’s to starting the conversation and shaking up the rules!
Read more:
Land-use regulations drive up the cost of housing and hamper economic mobility
Reshaping the City: Zoning for a More Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Future
Zillow’s panel of experts: Fix zoning to improve housing affordability
This week’s notes from half-court…
We’ve seen some intense free agent moves this week. A three-team trade brought Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics, Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies, and Tyus Jones to the Wizards, meanwhile Kevin Durant went from the Nets to the Suns.
All interesting deals. Porzingis is an awesome talent and I'm excited to see what he does for the Celtics. Everyone in Boston is heartbroken with the loss of Smart… but Porzingis is a great scorer and he should help fill the void on defense.