Housing production in the U.S. in 2019 continues to fall short of demand, keeping housing prices and rents high, and making affordability an elusive goal for many households across much of the U.S. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing 2019, demographic projections could support a robust housing market […]
Author: Deborah Myerson
07.15.2019
Complete Streets: Neighborhoods for Everyone
Strides toward streets that welcome walkers and cyclists, as well as cars A stroll to the local grocery store to get milk and bread, chatting with neighbors along the way. A leafy bike lane separated from car traffic makes it easy to commute to work. Rather than the old-school model of simply creating fast lanes […]
06.03.2019
Good Design at Any Scale
More options emerge to put form-based codes within reach A walkable, bike-friendly neighborhood with a harmonious blend of single-family homes, duplexes, and small-scale multifamily apartments. A lively mixed-use corridor with attractive retail storefronts facing trees, landscaping, and benches to create an appealing streetscape. These are just some of the outcomes that advocates of form-based codes […]
03.14.2019
Yes, In My Backyard
Localities and States Push for Wider Acceptance of Accessory Dwelling Units
12.11.2018
Growing Food, Growing Community
At your last dinner party, did guests crowd in the kitchen? Why do people so often huddle by the stove rather than spread out in the living room? Because that’s where the food is. Food attracts people to congregate – a phenomenon that is increasingly reflected in planned communities around the U.S., with neighborhoods centered […]
11.09.2018
Connecting Community and Culture: A Decade of Creative Placemaking
A Creative Happy Hour in Bloomington, Minnesota, hosts activities ranging from live salsa music and dance instruction, free hot chocolate and dessert table, to an interactive 3D mural. In Los Alamos, New Mexico, the monthly downtown “On Tap” series promoted by Creative Los Alamos engages participants over food and drinks in discussion of topics in […]
06.11.2018
A View of Home—From Abroad
One’s home is traditionally a private space, encircled by a public space with neighbors, street, and houses on the block— intertwining home and community. Yet, while one’s housing needs will likely change over time, it is not always easy to adapt your house. Too big? Maybe it’s time to downsize. Too small? Well, look for […]
04.09.2018
Who’s Driving This? And Where are We Going?
A future with automated vehicles has been in sharp focus in every trend-watcher’s crystal ball for the past few years, with plenty of discussion about federal, state and local transportation policy, safety protocols, and whether self-driving cars can truly operate successfully in defensive driving mode to pass the Zombie Kangaroo Costume Challenge. Last month, an […]