April 16: What we’re reading this week
Some articles we found interesting this week:
Efforts to eliminate exclusionary zoning like Raleigh’s Missing Middle reforms continue picking up steam across America. This Axios article discusses some of the most recent efforts, particularly at the state level. While momentum is building, the reforms continue to generate controversy. Here is an article about cities in Colorado opposing a legislative proposal that limits local government authority to maintain exclusionary zoning.
Continuing with the regulatory reform theme, here are 2 academic journal articles exploring how land use regulatory reforms can improve housing affordability. Article 1 and Article 2.
Wake County Commissioners heard from staff regarding the results of a scientific poll of County residents. Their top concerns were the cost of living and housing affordability. The survey asked nearly 50 questions, so there is plenty more to explore. Here is a link to the full survey.
The median price of real estate in Wake County increased by $10,000 in March to $445,000. Here is a link to the press release. And check out our 12 month tracker on the RaleighForward data page.
Here is a great resource that tracks parking reforms across the Country.
As the struggle to address housing affordability continues, here is an article about how one city is redeveloping a public housing community in New Jersey. This is particularly interesting as the Raleigh Housing Authority embarks on the redevelopment of Heritage Park.
The Urban Institute released study findings this month showing that planning boards/commissions across the country lack diversity. The findings show that renters, women, people of color and service workers are severely underrepresented.
There is growing interest in 3D Printed Concrete houses. Though this housing type holds promise, there are obstacles that need to be addressed before 3D printed homes become a practical housing option. Here is an article exploring those barriers.
Looks like rental supply is finally catching up with demand. According to this Bloomberg article, this rebalancing is starting to be reflected in lower rents (at least in a few US cities).
Montana’s legislature passed several bills to encourage missing middle housing that might be of interest to other states looking to reduce the impacts of exclusionary zoning. Read about it here.