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 47

January 31, 2024 00:44:20
Episode Cover

Beyond Home and Work: Exploring the Importance of Third Places

Welcome back to Urban Planning Is Not Boring! In today's episode, we delve into the concept of third places – those vital social hubs...

Listen

Episode 16

November 14, 2022 00:54:30
Episode Cover

What is Builder's Remedy?

Welcome back to another episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring! Sam and Nat took a couple of weeks off to focus on school,...

Listen

Episode 35

June 06, 2023 00:31:29
Episode Cover

Do We Need to Develop More Market Rate Housing? Exploring the Concept of Filtering

Welcome to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning. In this episode, join your hosts Sam...

Listen