Ei Square®’s Post

Location and accessibility issues in social housing pose significant challenges for residents and communities. These issues can impact access to essential services, transportation, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Discover 3 surprising ways data addresses these challenges in social housing: 🗺️Spatial analysis: Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools enable planners to map housing developments, transportation networks, and community resources. This spatial data helps identify areas with inadequate access to essential services and amenities, allowing policymakers to prioritise investments in infrastructure and public services where they are most needed. ♿Accessibility assessments: Data on accessibility features and barriers in social housing units and neighbourhoods can help identify gaps and opportunities for improving accessibility for residents with disabilities or mobility impairments. Through accessibility assessments and audits, housing providers can prioritise retrofitting and upgrading existing housing stock to meet accessibility standards and accommodate diverse needs. 🚗Transportation planning: Data analytics can inform transportation planning efforts by analysing travel patterns, traffic congestion, and public transit usage. By understanding residents' transportation needs and preferences, policymakers can design more efficient and accessible transportation systems, including bus routes, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure, to improve mobility and connectivity for social housing residents. Let's work together to enhance social housing accessibility. Ei Square have several years of experience helping organisations in this sector. Reach out to us for a preliminary consultation today. #SocialHousing #DataInsights #CommunityDevelopment #Accessibility #UrbanPlanning

The goal of transit-oriented development (#TOD) is vibrant, walkable neighborhoods centered around public #transit hubs. These improvements can lead to #gentrification and #displacement. But they don't have to. Smart Growth America's Michael Rodriguez challenges a persistent myth in urban planning: that we must choose between great transit and affordable communities. Using examples from Arlington Virginia to San Francisco, he shows how cities can pursue both priorities through proactive zoning policies and dedicated funding for preserving affordable housing. See how these solutions work and what other cities can learn → https://bit.ly/4fJ2n4p #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #TransitOrientedDevelopment #PublicTransit #UrbanDevelopment

The numbers don't lie 📈: • Transit hubs drive massive growth • Median incomes rise 9% faster near light rail • Home values spike 15-25% near stations But innovative cities are proving we can have both vibrant transit-oriented development AND affordable, inclusive neighborhoods. Learn how Arlington, Denver, and San Francisco got it right → https://bit.ly/4fJ2n4p #TransitOrientedDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #SmartCities

🔑 **Rethinking Housing: Beyond Affordability** 🏘️ In her thought-provoking article, "Affordable Housing Is Never the Only Problem – Or the Only Solution," Seth Kaplan delves deep into the roots of the housing crisis, reminding us that **housing is just one piece of a complex puzzle**. 🧩 Talen emphasizes that issues like poverty and social breakdown are not solely a result of inadequate housing but are intertwined with larger structural factors and social institutions. This revelation is a **call to action** for urban designers, planners, and architects to rethink how we approach community building. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **Holistic Solutions Are Crucial**: Tackling housing crises requires addressing the broader social context, highlighting the need for integrated community spaces—commercial centers, parks, libraries, and transit points—that foster interaction and accessibility. 2. **Community-Centric Design**: The role of **public infrastructure** in strengthening community ties cannot be understated. A suitable habitat transcends mere shelter; it cultivates connectivity and opportunity for all residents. 3. **Interdisciplinary Approach**: As we prioritize affordable housing initiatives, we must collaborate across various sectors—education, transportation, and health—ensuring that our strategies are comprehensive and inclusive. The conversation is further enriched by accompanying insights from recent articles on zoning reforms and policy changes needed to combat the **7.3 million-unit shortage** of affordable rental homes in the U.S. 🏙️ This is not merely about adding more units but about reimagining our urban landscapes to bridge economic divides. 🌉 📢 **Let's discuss!** How can we as industry professionals contribute to creating holistic and sustainable communities? What strategies are you seeing in your localities that effectively address this multifaceted crisis? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️ [Read the full article here](https://lnkd.in/eu7j7TAm)

👫👭 Public Participation in Urban Development: Enhancing Town Planning Through Community Engagement 👫👬 After exploring various aspects of urban development, I realized how crucial public involvement is in shaping cities that truly meet community needs and values. This understanding led me to write about how public engagement influences town planning, impacting transparency, accountability, and ultimately the success of urban projects. Key Impacts of Public Participation in Urban Planning: 1- Informed Decision-Making Engaging residents brings diverse perspectives, helping planners make decisions that reflect real community needs and experiences. Public consultations enable officials to anticipate concerns, refine project goals, and avoid potential issues. 2- Enhanced Transparency and Trust A transparent process, where residents understand project goals and impacts, builds public trust. When input is taken seriously, it reduces misinformation and strengthens trust in city leadership. 3- Stronger Accountability Public participation holds planners accountable, ensuring decisions align with community welfare rather than purely economic or political motives. 4- Adaptation to Local Culture and Needs Engagement helps planners incorporate unique cultural and social values, creating urban spaces that reflect local identity, preserve landmarks, and meet specific needs. 5- Fostering Civic Pride and Ownership When residents help shape their neighborhoods, they take pride and ownership in local spaces, leading to greater care for public areas and ongoing community involvement. 6- Improved Project Success and Longevity Community buy-in leads to smoother project execution and higher success rates, as supported projects tend to enjoy greater usage and resilience. Examples in Action: UK: Known for its structured and accessible public consultation process, UK cities conduct regular town hall meetings, surveys, and online forums where residents can voice their opinions. This approach has led to the development of balanced Local Plans that incorporate community-driven priorities, from sustainability to public transport. India: Although public participation varies, urban development programs like the Smart Cities Mission have begun to emphasize citizen input. Some cities are now conducting workshops and consultations to gauge local needs, a move toward more participatory governance that’s essential for transparent and accountable planning in fast-growing urban areas. Key Questions for Reflection: How can cities create more inclusive platforms for public participation? What new tools and technologies can support accessible, transparent, and meaningful engagement? #UrbanDevelopment #PublicParticipation #Transparency #CommunityEngagement #SustainableCities #CityPlanning #ResilientCommunities

#Economicdevelopment plays a crucial role in shaping local policies and initiatives. This is not surprising, as #economicgrowth and #workforcedevelopment are fundamental to addressing a range of #publicpolicy issues. When cities thrive economically, they are better equipped to tackle #infrastructureimprovement, #housingaffordability, and #socialservices. Farhad Omeyr, PhD's observation underscores this interconnectedness, emphasizing that #economicvitality is the backbone of comprehensive #urbandevelopment. The emergence of #housing as a "top-three theme" signals a growing recognition of the #housingcrisis's severity and its impact on residents' #qualityoflife. Mayors are increasingly aware that stable and #affordablehousing is essential for attracting and retaining a #skilledworkforce, which in turn fuels economic growth. Addressing housing issues can also alleviate other social problems, such as #homelessness and #incomeinequality, which are often exacerbated by a lack of affordable housing options. Local leaders should adopt a holistic approach to economic development that integrates #infrastructure and housing strategies. Investment in infrastructure, such as #transportation, #utilities, and #broadband, not only creates jobs but also makes cities more attractive for businesses and residents. Modern, reliable infrastructure supports economic activities and enhances the overall quality of life, making cities more livable and competitive. To tackle the housing crisis, mayors should consider policies that encourage the development of affordable housing units and preserve existing affordable #housingstock. This can be achieved through #zoningreforms, #taxincentives for developers, and #publicprivatepartnerships. Additionally, cities should focus on creating #mixedusedevelopments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, fostering vibrant, #inclusivecommunities. Workforce development is another critical component. Cities should invest in education and training programs that align with the needs of #localindustries. By equipping residents with the skills required for #highdemandjobs, cities can create a more resilient and #adaptableworkforce. Partnerships with local businesses, #educationalinstitutions, and #communityorganizations can help ensure that these programs are effective and accessible.

Unlocking Affordable & Attainable Housing: A Community Imperative As city and state officials navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape, the need for affordable housing has never been more critical. Yet, despite widespread agreement on this necessity, finding effective solutions remains a formidable challenge. Why is this important? Housing is more than just a place to live. It's the foundation for job security, health, and educational opportunities. When communities thrive in these areas, it translates into economic growth and social stability. Here's What We Know: Demand vs. Supply: The demand for affordable homes significantly outstrips supply. We need innovative strategies to accelerate construction without compromising quality. Policy Impact: Government policies play a crucial role. Simplifying zoning laws and providing incentives for developers can encourage the construction of affordable units. Community Engagement: Local communities must be involved in planning. This ensures that the solutions developed are tailored to the unique needs of each community.   Collaboration across all sectors—public, private, and nonprofit—is the key to unlocking housing that is both affordable and attainable. Cities must leverage technology, innovative financing, and community-driven solutions to build not just more housing, but smarter housing. Let's connect and discuss how we can make a tangible impact together. What are your thoughts on creating sustainable and inclusive housing solutions? #AffordableHousing #RealEstate #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #Innovation #Collaboration

"A future-fit housing system requires collaboration today. There is no single owner and no one-size-fits-all solution. Success will come to those who identify the part they can play and the partners they need." - Mark Dawson. Urbis Director and housing expert, Mark shares his insights on the critical issue of housing affordability and access from the 2024 City Leaders Survey. He emphasises the need for government and private sector collaboration, diverse and affordable housing, and the importance of quality and sustainability. Key takeaways: • Housing affordability and access are the top challenges  • Rapid population growth and rising interest rates are exacerbating housing supply issues. • Increasing housing density in well-serviced areas is a top priority. • Collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to unlock investment and deliver diverse housing solutions. Find out more at cityleaderssurvey.com.au #CityLeadersSurvey #UrbisInsights #Liveability #HousingAffordability #EconomicCompetitiveness #Sustainability #cityshaper Brenton Reynolds, Caroline Tomiczek, Clare Brown, Emie Pelchen, James Tuma, Kate Meyrick, Mark Dawson, Matt Palmen, Nathan Stribley, Poppy Wise, Richard Gibbs

90% of leaders involved in #urbis #cityleaderssurvey, released this week, cited #housingreform as the means to unlock #socialequity #climateadaptation and #productivity. For more insights, here's Urbis' housing lead Mark Dawson.

Now Live. The 2024 City Leaders Survey. In a few words, collaboration at all levels to deliver housing where it counts. Highly recommend watching the 2 minute sample linked below: #CityLeadersSurvey #UrbisInsights #Liveability #HousingAffordability #EconomicCompetitiveness #Sustainability #cityshaper