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.
Articles
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.
Rent to buy.
How do we address the affordable housing crisis? There are lessons to be learned from all over the world. Kris Daff, in Melbourne, Australia, is developing an important solution. Australia’s housing market is very expensive and lack of tenure in the rental market results in significant levels of housing anxiety. At the same time, Kris, a real estate developer, was … [Read more...] about Rent to buy.
Building a strong community.
A strong community is not built with one particular idea or project. There are many actors, ideas, visions and amenities that must come together to build a strong community. The Mayor A strong mayor can be instrumental to making change in a community. She must have a clear and strategic vision and she must have legislative power. Because she is responsible for hiring and … [Read more...] about Building a strong community.