With urban living becoming a more popular choice, especially by young people of means, long-time city residents and small businesses are being priced out of popular neighborhoods.
The problem has worsened in the past decade, with seven out of the 11 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. becoming less affordable to the median metro-area renter between 2006 and 2014. While a few decades ago, city planners were focused on reversing inner city economic decline, today many are facing the challenge of making areas more inclusive and affordable for the working class.
In response, some cities have revamped zoning and land-use planning to create more affordable housing. In East Austin, Texas, for example, the city is allowing construction of accessory dwellings on properties that can be rented to help defray the increased costs of living.
Another option is to encourage more small-footprint, multi-unit housing. City planners are facing more pressure to take action as gentrification protests have proliferated in cities across the country recently.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2021
Vancouver, B.C., may delay new zero emissions building standards
Building permit delays may postpone new standards by a year.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2021
Buffalo’s parking reform having noticeable impact on development
Elimination of mandatory parking allotments encourages new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 16, 2021
Inconsistent building codes make some states more vulnerable to hurricanes
Florida takes top spot for strongest building code in latest IBHS survey.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2021
Growing housing supply gap will worsen affordability crisis
Supply projected to fall 4.5 million units short in 2022.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2021
Florida will allow virtual inspections, building code enforcement, permit issuance
New law will go into effect on July 1, 2021.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2021
New York City cracks down on construction site safety
Buildings Dept. issues new safety legislation for City Council consideration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2021
ASHRAE updates health care facility ventilation standard
Includes improved guidance on thermal comfort, revisions to air filtration requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2021
American Wood Council releases new fire design specification
For design of wood members, assemblies, and connections to meet code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2021
Guide provides strategies to overcome barriers to sustainable affordable housing
International Living Future Institute document helps with social, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.