Modern community development is a balancing act For most of the history of urban development, community input was rare. Top down design and planning prescriptions, like those of “urban renewal” were how communities were made. These days, planners and developers need to be far more agile and responsive to create communities. Working in tandem with the local community is an … [Read more...] about The balancing act.
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Taking the best path forward.
Nowadays, you can't throw a stone without hitting a "socially conscious" or "socially responsible" residential development project. Let's assume for a second that most of the firms involved in these projects are genuinely interested in making a difference while making a profit. The question remains: why aren't we seeing a substantive change in the amount and type of … [Read more...] about Taking the best path forward.
Can Opportunity Zones provide opportunity?
Since the first New Deal housing policies emerged in the 1930s, governments from the municipal level all the way up to the federal government have sought ways to help alleviate the lack of affordable in this country. While there have been many successes, there have also been notable missteps. Infamous projects like Queensbridge in New York City and Cabrini Green in Chicago … [Read more...] about Can Opportunity Zones provide opportunity?
Shaping a sustainable environment.
Developers and architects have the opportunity to sell a new vision of sustainability in the United States. Many people see private capital and sustainability as fundamentally at odds with each other. Some even question the value that developers, architects and investors bring to the community building or redevelopment process. But civic-minded investors have the opportunity … [Read more...] about Shaping a sustainable environment.
Challenges of natural affordable housing.
We all know that many areas in the US are suffering from an affordability crisis but what's less known is the impact of broader economic influences on weak versus strong sub-markets within a single city or region. Housing affordability issues are incredibly complex, and they take different forms depending on how well the overall economy is performing. As always, however, it is … [Read more...] about Challenges of natural affordable housing.