Small Steps, Big Impact: Incremental Development

Episode 42 September 19, 2023 00:57:21
Small Steps, Big Impact: Incremental Development
Urban Planning is Not Boring
Small Steps, Big Impact: Incremental Development

Sep 19 2023 | 00:57:21

/

Hosted By

Natalie Ikhrata Samantha Ellman

Show Notes

Cities across the United States have opted to implement policy for community development gradually, rather than undergoing expedited construction and housing reform. Brooklyn Heights, Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans, and Austin are just a few names you might recognize of cities undertaking something called incremental housing development. The term is used to describe when cities are built, as the name suggests, in small increments. It balances the ever-changing demands of modern urban living with financial efficiency, but is it the approach that urban planners have been looking for?

Today, we are discussing incremental development using Austin, Texas as a case study. Cities in the US like Austin have taken this strategy to improve housing in their community. The city council of Austin earlier this summer voted to halve the minimum lot size requirement in areas zoned for single-family homes, a law that made it difficult for planners to build row houses, townhomes, or tri- and four-flexes. The population of Austin is skyrocketing, and Councilmember Leslie Pool, the drafter of the resolution, believes this step is the early stage of incremental housing development for the city toward a better future for families of all incomes.

And we make a very special announcement! We will be teaching the first seminar course of the Abundant Housing LA Pro-Housing Leadership Certification Course! The course will focus on Affordable Housing Development, and we are honored to have the opportunity to take part in this course. Check it out!!

Sources:

Victory in Austin: City Council Votes for Incremental Housing Development

Other Episodes

Episode 17

November 21, 2022 00:35:52
Episode Cover

What the Freeway (WTF): Eminent Domain and the Interstate Highway System

Sam and Nat are beginning a mini-series to discuss all things freeway! Today they begin the series by diving into the history of the...

Listen

Episode 39

August 21, 2023 00:25:30
Episode Cover

Bridging Architecture and Planning with Shiva Ghomi

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that delves into the dynamic interplay between architecture and planning. In this episode, we...

Listen

Episode 45

January 02, 2024 01:06:07
Episode Cover

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) East to West with Four Degrees to the Streets

Happy New Year! Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! We are back from our break with a very exciting episode! In this...

Listen