Many cities are looking for ways to incentivize new housing and allow for the density needed. That’s good news, but the danger here is that some cities will do it well, i.e., they will allow for more projects in their inner cores but still protect historic districts and provide for plan reviews for infill projects in traditional neighborhoods. And some cities will prioritize a “build baby build” frenzy that will invite the type of projects that are cheaply constructed, don’t fit the style of the neighborhood, and threaten to lower property values for eveyone.

They’re crafting new rules that do things like allow multifamily homes in more neighborhoods, encourage more density near transit, and streamline permitting processes for those trying to build.

Wamsley, L. (2024, February 17). The hottest trend in U.S. Cities? Changing zoning rules to allow more housing. Npr.org. Retrieved February 18, 2024, from https://www.npr.org/2024/02/17/1229867031/housing-shortage-zoning-reform-cities

This article at NPR focuses on cities that are revising zoning rules to encourage more density. The article cited an encouraging finding from The Pew Charitable Trusts that found that in Minneapolis, as more units were added, rents were stabilized in existing units. This will be a city to watch over time as they are more than 5 years into their implementation of substantial zoning reform.