"Neighbourhood stewards - the people who are engaged in issues that affect their community - often have a lot in common with the people who physically shape their neighbourhoods and provide the places where people live, work, learn and play," writes former developer Bob Ransford, who recent
Techniques for Bridging the Activist-Developer Divide
Urban Land Institute Encourages Developers to Build for Better Health
The institute launched a two-year educational program with a report, “Ten Principles for Building Healthy Places and Intersections.” The principles address issues incl
On the Unintended Consequences of Inclusionary Zoning
"While support for older housing affordability policies has dissipated, the same isn’t true of inclusionary zoning," writes Washington.
Why Developers Love Parks—the High Line in New York as an Example
While parks were once seen as a fiscal drain on city budgets, they are now credited with boosting property values and fostering the creation of chic neighborhoods.
Trends in Master Planned Communities
Ron Nyren asks the questions of the Urban Land Institute's Master-Planned Communities Council.
Developers are 'Poisonous' to Los Angeles City Council Hopefuls
"Anger over how Los Angeles is permitting development — from vast shopping centers to the McMansion next door — is all but constant on the campaign trail as more than a dozen candidates compete to represent the 4th City Council District, a grab bag of far-flung neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks,
Boise Finding Infill Solutions
"Infill is popular at City Hall in large part because it fits the broader mission of reducing people's reliance on cars," writes Sven Borg.
Development Approval Process Hits a New Low in Los Angeles
Los Angeles building officials on Thursday ordered a real estate developer to remove tenants from a 22-story apartment building in Hollywood, the latest piece of bad news to befall the recently opened project amid a long-running court battle," reports David Zahniser.
Op-Ed: End the Excuses for Lack of Housing Construction
Dante Ramos takes the example of the Copley Place—a 542-unit residential tower approved in 2013 by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, beset again and again by delays—to argue in favor of a much more relaxed regulatory environment.
No More Hidden Gems Thanks to Investor-Centric Real Estate
Post-recession, regular buyers have reentered a home market long dominated by investors. The landscape, some observers say, has changed.
Youngstown: Another Downtown Revitalizes
For a long time, downtown Youngstown was a lost cause, victim to classic Rust Belt troubles. "The town never recovered from the demise of the steel industry and also carries a reputation for connections to organized crime.
Boston Hopes to Make it Easier for Developers to Prepare for Rising Seas
Jon Chesto reports that Boston Mayor Martin J.
Suing for the 'Civil Right' to Develop Housing
"Mack-Cali Realty Corp., which is seeking to build luxury apartments on Lake Street [in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey], plans to ask a judge to consider — without a trial — claims that the borough violated the developer's civil rights," reports Marina Villeneuve.
How Much Does it Cost the Public to Build Housing in Loudoun County, Virginia?
Jonathan O'Connell reports on a controversy in Loudoun County over the externalities of housing. According to a 2011 study, the county spends $1.62 in services for every dollar in revenue it receives for every new home added in the county.
Chicago Rule Change Encourages Affordable Housing
A Rare Interview With One of L.A.'s Most Controversial Developers: Geoff Palmer
How One Developer Is Delivering Urban Infill
Urban infill is trending again. In fact, most of the housing industry's largest builders now operate urban divisions, allowing builders and customers new access to urbanized, walkable communities.