Impact investing has grown globally in both depth and sophistication and is now valued at $USD715 billion according to a 2020 study by Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN). But there are still many challenges. Here in the US, most of those funds are invested into cities and gentrifying areas, and although many low-income communities are beginning to see more capital … [Read more...] about Power mapping and impact.
Articles
Adaptive re-use.
To adaptively re-use a building is to re-imagine and re-purpose it. Often old, historic buildings have outlived their original purpose. They can be demolished or brought back to life and adapted to contemporary life. And there are compelling reasons to re-use historic buildings. Sustainable The adaptive re-use of buildings is inherently green. It’s a form of recycling … [Read more...] about Adaptive re-use.
Reimagining the role of real estate development.
The affordable housing crisis in the United States is affecting more people than you might think. For many Americans, across many income spectrums, a modest apartment is a cost burden and out of reach. There are multiple factors that have contributed to this affordability crisis. Wages have not kept up with rents, fiscal policy has favored homeowners, cars and transport are … [Read more...] about Reimagining the role of real estate development.
Equity and parking requirements.
Zoning, which dictates minimum off-street parking requirements for new and old buildings alike, has led to over 30% of our cities being given over to parking lots. While these parking requirements make for better parking, they make everything else worse. There is no science to parking requirements. Every city adopts its own zoning rules and parking requirements. If you ask a … [Read more...] about Equity and parking requirements.
The high cost of free parking.
Various studies indicate that approximately 30 percent of city land in the United States is allocated to parking. The Department of Urban Planning has estimated that New York City alone has approximately three million on-street parking spaces. Interestingly, only 3 percent of them have meters. Let’s get this straight. While housing costs are rising, often because of the cost … [Read more...] about The high cost of free parking.