I moved to Washington, D.C. a few years ago. Previously, I called Chicago and Phoenix home. I came to love both the complicated heritage and “make no small plans” attitude of Chicago as well as the strange and inventive impulses inspired by the relatively young city of Phoenix. While acclimating myself to both cities, I… Continue reading Community Development Partnerships are Ushering in a New Era of Citizen Power
A Tool to Help Build Food Security Many people living in low-income communities in U.S. cities still do not have access to healthy, affordable food. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), nearly 23.5 million people live in a food desert and half of them are low-income. That's more people than the entire… Continue reading Vacant Land → Urban Farm Tool
Within the last 15 years, many U.S. cities have prioritized expanding their bike infrastructure. Yet, only 14% of Americans ride their bike at least twice a week, a slight increase from 10% a decade ago. American cities have made important initial strides in opening up bike opportunities but they still have a ways to go before… Continue reading The Next Frontier of Bike Transportation Planning
I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of systemic racism lately – about how I can help and how systemic racism has and still does play a part in the work I do. Systemic racism doesn’t solely exist in our police departments. Systemic racism refers to the many systems in place that oppress people… Continue reading A History of Planning and Racism
U.S. cities are in the midst of a housing crisis. Demand is high, supply is limited, and the supply being built disproportionately leans towards the luxury end of the market. Some cities, like Washington, D.C., have millions of square feet available for the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). If utilized, this land could provide… Continue reading How Public and Private Incentives Can Strengthen the ADU Market
Affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce in cities across the country, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a scalable yet under-utilized housing solution, as was discussed in a previous post. Yet, for all their value, ADUs can be a stubborn process to get started. The average ADU costs $200,000 – not including permitting and construction… Continue reading How Cities and States Can Remove Barriers to ADU Development
On October 15, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of Planning released a draft of their Comprehensive Plan. The plan focuses on affordable housing as a top priority - which, in case you didn't know, is a major issue throughout the city. Rent costs in Washington, D.C. have risen dramatically since 2012;… Continue reading Washington, D.C. is Experiencing a Housing Affordability Problem and Accessory Dwelling Units May Be the Answer
You may have heard that millennials and Gen Xers are fleeing big cities to more affordable suburban markets. 2018 marks the fourth year in a row that cities with at least half a million people saw a drop in residents age 25 to 39 from the previous year. Census data shows that most of those… Continue reading The Millennial Migration Is an Opportunity for Sustainable Suburban Development
The recent blue wave that washed over the U.S. House of Representatives may soon be followed by a green wave. Since the November midterms, a group of young Democratic representatives have been demanding that passing a Green New Deal be a top priority of the next Congress. A Green New Deal could help the United… Continue reading Why the Green New Deal Can’t Have a Goal of 100% Renewable Energy by 2030
Cities have experienced rebirth and with it changes to the urban landscape, both good and bad. Urban neighborhoods are receiving new development and employers are relocating from suburbs to city centers. This urban growth increases the tax base, funds new services, reinvigorates local economies, and attracts new investors, residents and employers. The flip side of… Continue reading How Transfer-of-Development Rights Will Help Your City Grow Smarter
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