December 14, 2025 Newsletter
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Articles and Resources of interest:
Although it is a 2019 article, this discussion of how Chicago used the concept of “co-location” of civic infrastructure like libraries helped transform some of Chicago’s subsidized housing redevelopment. To show the concept is not old, here is a Christian Science Monitor article from early December addressing how Boston is building affordable units above its libraries. Given the Raleigh Housing Authority’s Strategic Plan calls for redeveloping most of its communities, it might be worth considering the “co-location” concept with the City and County as its redevelopment plans take shape?
An overlooked segment of the Raleigh housing market is the growing demand for housing that serves the needs of the City’s aging population. More attention needs to be given to incorporating “Universal Design Principles” into more types of housing to serve this growing segment of the population.
Here is an interesting discussion of “Accessory Commercial Units” from the American Planning Association. Here is a somewhat related article from the New York Times: “Why the New York Bodega is Here to Stay.”
Since the publication of the book “Abundance,” there has been much discussion about how hard it is to build virtually anything in America. This article offers an interesting and somewhat hopeful perspective. Relatedly, Vox has announced a multi-year editorial project on improving America’s capacity to build.
One of the ways the NC General Assembly could help cities better address housing affordability is legalizing single-stair construction. That change, along with eliminating parking minimums (which Raleigh has done) AND legalizing “missing middle housing” (2–12-unit residential buildings) in all residential zoning districts will create the opportunity to build context-sensitive housing throughout cities. Here is an article on the topic from one of our collaborating organizations-CityBuilder.
Here is more potential evidence that housing supply may be catching up to demand (in the rental market at least). Interestingly, this article notes that part of the cause of falling rents is the concept of “filtering” where the supply of many new more expensive rental units helps push the rents down on “nicer” housing that is being replaced with the next wave of new.
Like other recent lawsuits challenging new proposed development, here is the most recent example in Raleigh. Neighborhood group plans to sue Raleigh over rezoning for downtown high-rise. If/when this lawsuit is filed, we will bring more detail and analysis.
How Private Equity is Changing Housing, from The Atlantic.
What New Urbanists can Learn from the Villages. HINT: It’s Time to Focus on the Block Party).
From Pew: Proposal Could Lower Manufactured Home Costs, Expand Housing Supply.
From the Data Department:
Raleigh City Council meets on January 6. Here are some other items of interest:
CIVIC ASSEMBLY has arrived in Raleigh!
Some readers of this newsletter may have received an invitation from the City to participate in Raleigh’s first-ever civic assembly. RaleighForward co-hosted an event with the National Civic League, WakeUp Wake County and CityBuilder in the Spring. If you received such a letter, please consider responding to the City. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real impact on the City’s next Comprehensive Plan. For more information, click here. Also, here are a few more details:
What is a Civic Assembly?
A Civic Assembly brings together a group of Raleigh residents to dive into city issues, exchange ideas, and recommend real solutions for the future. Participants are selected through a lottery to reflect the perspectives that represent all of Raleigh.
How does it work?
Random sample of residents will receive an invitation by mail this fall.
Respond to enter the lottery for a spot in the Civic Assembly.
No experience needed — just your perspective.
Why you?
We need community members like you to provide feedback and insight into your lived experiences. We need your input to develop a successful Comprehensive Plan.
What to expect?
If you get an invitation—say yes. Raleigh’s future needs your voice. If selected, you’ll participate in six Saturday sessions (8 hours each) starting in January—and receive a $1,000 stipend. You’ll:
Explore key issues impacting Raleigh’s future
Hear from experts and collaborate with fellow residents
Recommend ideas to inform the Next Comprehensive Plan
Check out the City of Raleigh’s “Big Ideas” podcast. The latest episode explores the power and impact of Raleigh’s public event spaces. Prior episodes looked at the City’s Climate Action Plan and how its efforts to address homelessness tie into housing affordability.
The City has put together a “Program Catalog” to help residents better understand how the City spends public funds.
Click here for the latest City Manager Report.