Todd Litman’s Post

Low cost of living and plentiful affordable housing has America on the move.

As a planner, I examine systems and relationships. Causes and effects. Short-term and long-term. Housing affordability is a prime example of a very complex issue that is often oversimplified and examined in isolation of other, often significant, costs of living and effects on quality of life. Take transportation for example- 30% of income is considered the threshold for affordability, and that figure is 15% for transportation. Where housing is located is directly related to transportation costs- yet this relationship is not and cannot be emphasized enough. The Center for Neighborhood Technology created the H+T Index to put some numbers to these relationships at the neighborhood level. This new report from Todd Litman at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute highlights how planners can help households reduce cost of living through policies that boost low-cost modes of mobility. American Planning Association The Congress for the New Urbanism Urban Land Institute National League of Cities League of Wisconsin Municipalities https://lnkd.in/g8PkXS6X

An urban rail system would be a great add to #FortWorth. These attract growth and new development to a city. It allows new life into underutilized areas and reconcentrates to others. Fort Worth is definitely ripe for such. On the downside, these also almost always attract the homeless population. It is this way with the Dallas DART, NYC subway. The stations become nodes for their movement. I am NOT saying that these type of projects should solve the homelessness issue. Just saying that there are good and bad results for these conveniences. #multifamilydeveloper #multifamily #realestatedeveloper #nahb #dfw #realestate #realestateinvestor #finance #dallas https://lnkd.in/ggvUemXN

Transit Oriented Development works and there is so much potential for it in the NY Metro area. One study say 75,000 acres. Communities must take advantage of this opportunity for economic growth, sustainable development and affordable housing or risk being left behind. https://lnkd.in/epJtq4_J #walkability #transit #sustainability #affordablehousing

As we forge into the future, addressing affordable housing remains a critical challenge worldwide. Our latest article, "Top 5 Affordable Housing Solutions for the Next Decade," explores innovative strategies reshaping how communities approach housing sustainability and affordability. From modular housing innovations in Los Angeles that cut costs and construction time, to the transformative impact of Community Land Trusts in Vermont, these solutions offer promising pathways toward more equitable living conditions. Learn about the power of inclusionary zoning in San Francisco, the essential role of housing vouchers, and how green building technologies in Austin are not only saving money but also the planet. These forward-thinking strategies are not just ideas—they are actionable solutions being implemented today that promise a more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive tomorrow. 👉 Dive deeper into these transformative solutions and discover how we can all contribute to a brighter housing future. Click to read the full article. 👇 #AffordableHousing #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanInnovation #HousingCrisis #RealEstateTrends #CommunityDevelopment #EquityReport

Affordable housing is a pressing issue for many cities around the globe. The experiences of cities like Lisbon highlight the innovative solutions being explored to address this challenge. It's inspiring to see local governments taking strides to not only provide shelter but to foster community and inclusivity. The collaborative efforts among various stakeholders—from city planners to businesses—show how engagement and shared responsibility can lead to meaningful change. One key takeaway is the importance of adaptability. Cities must be willing to implement flexible, sustainable strategies that evolve with their populations' needs. How is your city tackling the affordable housing crisis? Let’s share insights and keep the conversation going! https://lnkd.in/d3eQpAZd

Beyond Shelter: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Canada's Housing Crisis I am excited to share my recent peer-reviewed article, "Beyond Shelter: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Canada's Housing Crisis," published in the journal "Urban and Regional Planning." In this article, I argue that addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a comprehensive approach involving the collaborative efforts of governments, architects, and builders. By examining the multifaceted nature of the problem, analyzing the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, and proposing innovative solutions, this article contributes to the ongoing dialogue on affordable housing in Canada. To read the full article, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e6md5dUV I welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback on this critical issue. Together, we can work towards creating a future where every Canadian has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. DOI: 10.11648/j.urp.20240903.11 #AffordableHousing #HousingCrisis #Canada #UrbanPlanning #PolicySolutions

🔑 **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)

Lonely Nation: how to tackle Loneliness through the built environment The key takeaways from my reflections on this critical report are below. First and foremost: To tackle loneliness we must build communities, not housing estates The Importance of Design Quality - Good design is fundamental to people’s mental and physical health, life chances, and even children's educational outcomes. - With plans for 1.5 million new homes, we must prioritise quality alongside quantity. So - What Constitutes Good Design? - Design quality builds on enduring principles: streets, edges, landscapes, and civic spaces that serve communities, as they have since Roman times. - Context matters: buildings should reflect local history and character without resorting to pastiche, fostering community through thoughtful, contextual design. - Design Codes can be good tools for creating locally referenced, community-oriented designs. Sustainability in Development starts with building in the right location - Build in the right locations to support gentle densities, promote efficient land use, and drive a shift toward sustainable transport. - Investing in cycle paths, local shops, and sustainable densities offers better long-term value than suburban sprawl and road bypasses. The Supply Challenge - The issue is less about supply volume and more about the type, location, and affordability of homes. - Focus on delivering a diverse range of tenures, including genuinely affordable housing. Planning vs. Delivery - 1.1 million homes already have planning consent but are not being delivered. - Address delivery challenges by exploring long-term stewardship models that prioritise place quality and viability. - Automatic approvals for brownfield sites with Design Codes or Neighbourhood Plans could streamline the process and add much-needed certainty. A high-quality built environment is not optional—it’s essential. Let’s get it right. #housing #affordablehousing #designcodes #urbandesign The Centre for Social Justice SNG (Formerly Network Homes) Broadway Malyan

Can you have smart growth in a small town? Check out my latest piece for some answers.