Mile High CRE’s Post

I agree with Cushing Terrell! Crafting a long-range plan affects current and future residents, making broad community engagement crucial. While involving diverse voices can be resource-intensive, it ensures a plan reflects the community’s needs and desires. The key is to proactively reach out and connect with people where they are, rather than just inviting them to a meeting. Effective communication about the purpose of the long-range plan, its importance, and ways to stay engaged throughout the process is essential for a more equitable and representative outcome. #CommunityEngagement #InclusivePlanning #FutureReady

https://lnkd.in/gdDstGTK SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) today published California’s Housing Future 2040: The Next Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In this report, HCD recommends to legislators the changes to the RHNA process necessary to effectively plan for the homes that will be needed across the state by 2040.

Interesting read of the week 📖 The Connected Communities program is aiming to incentivize the construction of affordable housing and community amenities through looser zoning rules. This legislation would provide development incentives, streamlined construction processes, and fee exemptions for qualifying projects. The program targets nonprofit organizations working with marginalized communities, aiming to create more intentional buildings with mixed-income housing and ground-floor community spaces. However, there are concerns from some council members regarding certain provisions, including one that allows middle-income homeowners adjacent to the projects to sell their land in exchange for a guaranteed unit in the development.

The AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community is hosting a panel discussion on European Social Housing on December 2 @ 12 PM ET. European Social Housing has become an aspirational model that has gained traction around the US. Yet many aspects of that model are simply incompatible with the US’ current housing delivery system. This panel features experts in both systems and will focus on the aspects of European Social Housing that are most replicable in the US. This webinar is part of a series produced by the AIA Right-to-Housing Working Group. In each episode, we ask: “What does the right to housing mean in practice?” and “How can architects contribute?” Learn more and register below. https://buff.ly/48ACRfA image by brenoassis for Unsplash

NYC has always been a vibrant center of diverse communities, but our affordable housing crisis threatens this very fabric. In my recent article for City & State, I delve into the need for a holistic approach to affordable housing—one that benefits all New Yorkers. By fostering public-private partnerships and streamlining approvals, we can create a range of housing options that support individual residents and our broader community. Affordable housing isn't just about rent; it's about building sustainable, thriving neighborhoods where everyone can prosper. Read the full article and join the conversation on advancing a more equitable New York City: https://lnkd.in/eGaNmAj4 #NYC #AffordableHousing #AffordableHousingCrisis #UrbanDevelopment #Equity

Tamar Kotelchuck’s statement sheds light on a persistent challenge in New England, where limited housing options hinder businesses’ ability to attract and retain talent. This link between economic stability and housing accessibility highlights a key tension between regional development and sustainable growth. One promising response to this issue is the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). By converting existing spaces such as basements or constructing smaller detached units, ADUs offer flexible housing solutions. This approach is particularly beneficial for rural areas like Vermont and Maine, where it fosters community-focused growth and encourages younger, working-age residents to settle in established neighborhoods without major infrastructure expansions. However, while ADUs can help alleviate housing shortages, they may not be accessible to all socioeconomic groups. Without careful regulation, these initiatives could favor homeowners with sufficient financial resources, potentially deepening existing property ownership disparities. Additionally, the introduction of ADUs in single-family neighborhoods may face opposition due to concerns about increased density and changes in the community’s character. The promotion of ADUs reflects a preference for locally adaptable solutions over broad policy reforms. This strategy emphasizes gradual progress through community-led initiatives rather than large-scale government interventions. While ADUs are a step toward easing housing shortages and supporting workforce stability, they might not address deeper systemic issues such as zoning restrictions, income inequality, and long-term housing affordability. Ensuring the equitable distribution and regulation of ADUs is crucial for them to serve diverse populations and promote balanced, inclusive growth.

Atlanta Beltline Leads the Way in Housing Progress 🏡 Huge props to Atlanta for surpassing its affordable housing goals along the BeltLine and setting its sights on an ambitious 7,500-unit milestone! The city has not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating what’s possible when innovation, collaboration, and commitment come together to address housing challenges. The Atlanta BeltLine project has always been about more than just connectivity—it’s a model for how urban redevelopment can serve everyone, including low- and moderate-income families. By prioritizing affordability, Atlanta is setting a standard for how other cities can balance growth with inclusivity. As someone passionate about community development and housing solutions, I’m inspired by Atlanta's approach. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue creating vibrant, accessible communities for all. What are your thoughts on this milestone? Could this model work in other cities? #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #AtlantaBeltLine #Innovation #HousingForAll https://lnkd.in/enBuYr_5

Main Street Matters is open for applications! 🚨 Overview The Main Street Matters (MSM) program is designed to support our downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security. Communities may wish to consider designation through the MSM program as a Main Street or Elm Street. Designation is an opportunity for targeted investment and development including the identification of specific needs for investment and/or development and the design and implementation of a strategy to address those needs. Uses A flexible tool for use in community and economic development for a variety of uses including planning activities, façade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants. Eligibility Units of local government (counties, cities, boroughs, townships, towns, and home rule municipalities) Redevelopment and/or housing authorities Nonprofit organizations to include economic development organizations, housing corporations, etc. Community development corporations Business improvement districts, neighborhood improvement districts, downtown improvement districts, and similar organizations incorporated as authorities To access the guidelines: https://lnkd.in/gVeKtKkY

A thriving community housing sector is key to tackling our housing crisis. This article challenges misconceptions about the sector and highlights its huge potential. https://ow.ly/cbZy50RHkHB

As Seattle moves forward, it's important that we as residents and Citizen Architects, urban planners, engineers, design professionals, etc get involved in the comprehensive plan process moving forward. The draft is out for public comment and public open houses have been scheduled. There's a lot to digest - no doubt - but this should be a very exciting and engaging conversation on how to support the success of #Seattle. #urbandevelopment #affordablehousing #equitydiversityinclusion #resilientcommunities