Housing & Community Development

Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the ease with which people can reach desired goods, services, activities, and destinations. In urban planning, it focuses on ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their physical, economic, or social status, can easily and safely access essential resources, such as public transportation, housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

Urban planners must prioritize physical accessibility by designing infrastructure that accommodates everyone, including individuals with disabilities. This involves removing barriers in public spaces, buildings, and transportation systems, aligning with universal design principles. Ensuring that public transportation is affordable, reliable, and well-connected to various destinations is also critical for enhancing accessibility.

Urban planners should be mindful of how digital services, environmental sustainability, and health factors intersect with accessibility. As technology becomes integral to accessing opportunities, ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure is important, especially in rural areas.

Promoting active transportation like walking and cycling can improve accessibility while promoting public health, aligning with broader goals of creating sustainable and inclusive cities.

Accessory Dwelling Units 

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary housing units located on the same lot as a primary residence. These units can take the form of separate structures, converted garages, or apartments within the main house. ADUs are typically smaller than the primary residence and are designed to provide additional housing options without significantly altering the character of a neighborhood.

Urban planners view ADUs as a way to address housing shortages by increasing density within existing residential areas. ADUs can provide affordable housing, support multi-generational living, and offer homeowners a potential source of rental income. They allow cities to accommodate growth without the need for extensive new developments, preserving land and minimizing urban sprawl.

ADUs come with considerations such as zoning regulations, infrastructure capacity, and neighborhood opposition. Planners must ensure that local policies permit ADU construction and that they are integrated into communities in ways that address parking, traffic, and service needs.

Adaptive Use

Adaptive use focuses on the repurposing of existing buildings for new uses. It is often used in sustainable development, historic preservation, and urban revitalization efforts. Benefits of adaptive uses include cost-effective development, economic revitalization, and community preservation.

Adaptive reuse projects often face regulatory hurdles, as existing buildings may not comply with current building codes or accessibility standards. Structural issues, such as deteriorating foundations, and environmental hazards like asbestos or lead paint, can also pose significant challenges.

Common strategies for adaptive uses include historic preservation tax credits, zoning flexibility, and public-private partnerships. Collaborations between government entities, private developers, and community organizations can be instrumental in overcoming financial and regulatory barriers to adaptive reuse.

Examples include converting industrial warehouses into residential lofts, turning old schools into office spaces, turning underutilized strip malls into office spaces.

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing refers to housing that is reasonably priced, allowing low- and moderate-income households to live without spending an excessive portion of their income on rent or mortgage payments. Generally, housing is considered affordable when a household spends no more than 30% of its income on housing costs (in U.S. case). This type of housing is essential for ensuring that all residents, regardless of income, can access safe, stable, and adequate living conditions.

Creating and maintaining affordable housing often requires policies that encourage its development, such as zoning changes, density bonuses, or public subsidies. These approaches help increase the supply of affordable units in areas where housing costs are otherwise high. Tax incentives or public-private partnerships may also play a role in making affordable housing projects financially viable.

The location of affordable housing is crucial. It should be integrated into neighborhoods with access to essential services like public transportation, schools, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This ensures that residents not only have a place to live but also the ability to easily reach important destinations and resources.

Challenges such as limited land availability, neighborhood opposition, and the potential displacement of residents due to gentrification must be addressed to create lasting affordable housing solutions. Balancing these factors while ensuring equitable access to housing is key to supporting diverse, inclusive communities.

Aging in Place

Contributor: Placeholder   |   Last update: September 7, 2024

Aging in Place refers to the ability of older adults to live in their own homes or communities safely, independently, and comfortably as they age, without needing to relocate to specialized housing or care facilities. It emphasizes maintaining quality of life and autonomy by ensuring that homes and neighborhoods are designed to support the changing needs of aging individuals.

To support aging in place, housing options should be accessible and adaptable. Features such as single-level layouts, grab bars, ramps, and wide doorways can make homes safer and easier to navigate as mobility changes. Additionally, having essential services like healthcare and public transportation nearby is crucial for maintaining independence and ease of access to daily needs.

Public spaces and infrastructure must also accommodate the needs of older adults. Walkable neighborhoods, accessible sidewalks, and age-friendly public areas promote physical activity, social interaction, and overall well-being. Access to community centers, parks, and social services helps prevent isolation and ensures that older individuals can remain active and connected within their communities.

Civic Infrastructure

Contributor: Placeholder   |   Last update: September 7, 2024

Civic Infrastructure refers to the fundamental facilities and systems that support the functioning and quality of life in a community. This includes public services and physical assets such as roads, bridges, water supply systems, sewage treatment, public transportation, parks, and government buildings.

Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change adaptation is about preparing for and mitigating the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and heatwaves.

Planners can contribute to climate change adaptation in: 

• Identifying at-risk areas: Pinpoint neighborhoods, infrastructure, and populations most susceptible to climate change impacts.

• Designing for extremes: Ensure infrastructure, such as transportation networks, buildings, and water systems, can withstand extreme weather events.

• Investing in green infrastructure: Utilize natural features like trees, green roofs, and bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and reduce heat island effect.

• Creating walkable and bikeable neighborhoods: Promote active transportation to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

• Prioritizing green spaces: Increase the amount of green areas to provide shade, absorb stormwater, and improve air quality.

• Planning for compact, mixed-use development to reduce sprawl and increase efficiency.

• Building social resilience: Foster community networks and support systems to help people cope with climate change impacts.

Collaborative Planning

Collaborative Planning is a process where various stakeholders, including community members, government agencies, and private organizations, work together to develop and implement plans and policies. This approach emphasizes shared decision-making, communication, and cooperation to address complex issues and achieve common goals.

Effective collaborative planning involves structured processes such as public meetings, workshops, and advisory committees to facilitate dialogue and collaboration. Planners should also use transparent methods for sharing information and collecting feedback to ensure that all voices are heard and considered. 

Building strong partnerships and maintaining ongoing communication with stakeholders are key to successful collaboration.

Collaborative planning leads to more resilient and adaptable solutions by leveraging collective expertise and resources. It helps create plans that are not only technically sound but also socially equitable and widely supported, contributing to more sustainable and livable communities.

Community Land Trust

Community Land Trust (CLT) is a non-profit organization that acquires and manages land for the benefit of a community. The trust holds the land in perpetuity and provides long-term, affordable access to housing, commercial spaces, and other community assets. By separating the ownership of land from the ownership of buildings or other improvements, CLTs aim to prevent displacement, promote affordable housing, and support community development.

For urban planners, understanding CLTs is important because they offer a mechanism for community-driven land management and development. CLTs enable communities to take control of their land resources, ensuring that development aligns with local priorities and values. This can lead to more equitable and sustainable outcomes by prioritizing affordable housing and preserving community assets.

Complete Streets

Complete Streets is a planning and design approach aimed at creating streets that are safe, accessible, and accommodating for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transit riders. This concept emphasizes the integration of various transportation modes and the inclusion of features that support a vibrant, functional public realm.

For urban planners, implementing Complete Streets involves incorporating several key design elements to ensure that streets meet diverse needs. This includes designing for safe and convenient pedestrian access with features such as wide sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and traffic calming measures. Bicycle infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and bike racks, is also essential for encouraging cycling as a viable mode of transportation.

Public transit accessibility should be a priority, with well-placed bus stops, shelters, and connections to other transportation modes. Planners need to consider the integration of green spaces, street trees, and public amenities to enhance the overall street environment and promote community interaction.

Incorporating Complete Streets principles also involves ensuring that designs are adaptable to the specific context of each neighborhood, addressing factors such as local traffic patterns, land use, and community preferences. By engaging with residents and stakeholders in the planning process, urban planners can create streets that not only improve transportation efficiency but also contribute to a higher quality of life and a more inclusive urban environment.

Comprehensive Plan

A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term strategic framework that guides the development and growth of a community. It outlines a vision for the future, sets goals, and provides a roadmap for achieving them through policies, strategies, and actions. This plan covers various aspects of community development, including land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

The plan should establish clear goals and objectives that address identified issues and opportunities. It includes policies and strategies that outline how to achieve these goals, such as land use regulations, infrastructure investments, and community programs. Planners must ensure that the plan is flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions while providing a consistent framework for decision-making.

Development Agreement

A Development Agreement is a legally binding contract between a local government and a property developer that outlines the terms and conditions for a development project. This agreement sets forth the rights and obligations of both parties, addressing issues such as land use, infrastructure improvements, timelines, and public benefits. Development agreements are often used for large-scale or complex projects where traditional zoning or permitting processes may not adequately address the needs of the project.

The agreement typically grants the developer certain assurances, such as the right to develop the property according to agreed-upon terms without the risk of future zoning changes that could alter the project’s scope. In return, the developer may agree to provide public amenities or infrastructure improvements, such as parks, roads, or affordable housing, that benefit the community.

For urban planners, development agreements are important tools for managing growth and ensuring that private developments align with public interests. Planners work with developers to negotiate terms that balance the needs of the community with the developer's goals, ensuring that the project supports long-term planning objectives, such as sustainability, transportation access, or affordable housing.

Economic Revitalization

Economic Revitalization refers to a set of strategies and actions aimed at rejuvenating and revitalizing struggling or declining areas within a community or region.

Economic revitalization includes infrastructure improvement, business attraction, housing development, community partnerships, cultural and recreational amenities, and economic diversification.

Enrollment Projections 

Enrollment Projections are estimates of the number of students expected to attend a school or school district over a specified period. These projections are crucial for planning the future needs of educational institutions, helping administrators and planners determine resource allocation, facility expansions, staffing, and funding requirements. Accurate projections take into account demographic trends, birth rates, housing development, and migration patterns, ensuring that schools can adequately serve the population.

In urban planning, enrollment projections are vital when planning for new residential developments or revitalizing neighborhoods. As new housing is built or populations shift, the number of school-age children in the area can change dramatically. Urban planners use these projections to inform decisions about where new schools may be needed, how existing schools might need to expand, and how infrastructure, such as transportation routes, should be designed to support growing student populations.

Displacement

Displacement refers to the forced movement of individuals or communities from their homes, often due to urban development, gentrification, infrastructure projects, or natural disasters. Displacement can have significant social, economic, and emotional impacts on affected populations, particularly those in vulnerable or low-income communities. It disrupts social networks, diminishes access to essential services, and can lead to housing instability, contributing to wider social inequalities.

In urban planning, displacement is a critical issue when designing and implementing development projects. Planners must consider the potential for displacement, particularly when large-scale urban renewal or infrastructure improvements are planned in low-income or marginalized neighborhoods. Gentrification, where rising property values and rents force long-term residents out of their homes, is a common cause of displacement, particularly in cities experiencing rapid economic growth.

Mitigating displacement involves thoughtful planning policies and strategies. This may include providing affordable housing options, rent stabilization measures, and community benefits agreements that protect existing residents. Planners may also explore land use policies that promote mixed-income housing or incentives for developers to include affordable units in new developments.

Community engagement is vital in addressing displacement concerns. Involving affected populations in decision-making ensures that their needs and perspectives are considered, reducing the likelihood of harmful outcomes. By proactively addressing displacement, urban planning can foster equitable growth, prevent the erosion of community fabric, and support long-term housing stability for all residents.

Eviction Prevention

Eviction Prevention refers to strategies and policies designed to help tenants remain in their homes and avoid being forcibly removed due to the inability to pay rent or other housing-related issues. These efforts are critical in addressing housing insecurity and preventing homelessness, especially among vulnerable populations. Eviction prevention programs often include rental assistance, legal aid, mediation services, and tenant education on rights and responsibilities.

In urban planning, eviction prevention is a key component of creating stable and inclusive communities. By supporting affordable housing initiatives, rent control policies, and tenant protections, planners help reduce the risk of displacement and ensure that residents have access to safe and stable housing. Planners also work with local governments to incorporate eviction prevention measures into broader housing and social services programs, making sure that assistance is available to those who need it most.

Gentrification

Gentrification refers to the process by which urban neighborhoods undergo transformation due to an influx of higher-income residents, leading to increased property values and changes in the character of the area. While gentrification can result in economic revitalization and improved infrastructure, it often also leads to the displacement of long-standing, lower-income residents and can alter the social fabric of the community.

In urban planning, addressing gentrification involves balancing development and investment with measures to protect and support existing residents. Planners work to ensure that revitalization efforts do not disproportionately displace vulnerable populations. This may include implementing policies that promote affordable housing, provide relocation assistance, and support community development initiatives that benefit both new and existing residents.

Strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of gentrification often focus on preserving affordable housing through rent control measures, housing subsidies, or community land trusts. Planners also work to involve local residents in the planning process to ensure that their needs and perspectives are considered in development projects.

Greenbelt

A Greenbelt is an area of open land, often located on the outskirts of urban areas, that is designated and managed to restrict urban development and preserve natural landscapes. Greenbelts typically include parks, forests, agricultural land, and other green spaces. They serve as a buffer between urban areas and rural or natural environments, providing ecological, recreational, and social benefits.

Greenbelts can function as wildlife corridors, connecting fragmented habitats and allowing animals to move between different areas. This connectivity is crucial for species migration, genetic diversity, and the health of ecosystems.

Managing greenbelts can involve addressing challenges such as encroachment, land management, and funding for maintenance. Effective management requires balancing conservation goals with the needs of local communities and development pressures.

Homelessness Prevention

Homelessness Prevention refers to strategies and programs designed to help individuals and families avoid becoming homeless by addressing the root causes and immediate risks that may lead to housing instability. These efforts typically focus on providing support services such as rental assistance, counseling, eviction prevention, and emergency financial aid, ensuring that vulnerable populations can maintain secure and stable housing.

Urban planners work to ensure that zoning and land-use regulations support the development of affordable and supportive housing. This might involve revising zoning codes to allow for more flexible housing options, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or transitional housing, and working with local organizations to offer emergency shelters or rapid rehousing programs.

Housing Affordability

Housing Affordability refers to the ability of individuals and families to secure adequate housing without experiencing financial strain, typically defined as spending no more than 30% of household income on housing costs, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and maintenance. When housing costs exceed this threshold, it can lead to financial hardship, limiting access to other essential needs like food, healthcare, and education.

In urban planning, addressing housing affordability is a key priority to ensure that all residents, regardless of income, have access to stable, affordable homes. Planners work to develop policies that promote affordable housing development, such as inclusionary zoning, which requires a certain percentage of new developments to be affordable to lower-income households. They also advocate for housing subsidies, tax incentives for developers, and the preservation of existing affordable housing stock to prevent displacement due to rising housing costs.

Additionally, housing affordability is linked to broader issues like transportation, job access, and land use. Planners strive to create communities where affordable housing is integrated with access to public transportation, employment opportunities, and essential services. This approach ensures that lower-income residents are not priced out of areas with better amenities and opportunities.

Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary Zoning is a land-use policy that requires or incentivizes developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new residential developments. The goal is to create mixed-income communities and ensure that affordable housing is integrated into neighborhoods, rather than segregating lower-income households into specific areas. This approach helps increase the overall supply of affordable housing in high-demand areas while promoting socioeconomic diversity.

Inclusionary zoning policies typically offer developers incentives such as density bonuses, reduced parking requirements, or expedited permitting in exchange for including affordable units. These incentives help offset the costs of providing below-market-rate housing, making it more feasible for developers to participate in the program. Some inclusionary zoning programs are mandatory, while others are voluntary but provide financial or regulatory benefits to encourage compliance.

From an urban planning perspective, inclusionary zoning is an important tool for addressing housing affordability and reducing spatial inequality. It helps ensure that affordable housing is distributed throughout a city or region, rather than concentrated in specific areas, which can lead to better access to jobs, schools, transportation, and other amenities for low- and moderate-income households. Additionally, it supports the creation of more diverse, inclusive communities where people of different income levels can live together.

Land Banking

Land Banking is a strategy used by governments or public entities to acquire, hold, and manage vacant, underutilized, or foreclosed properties with the goal of redeveloping them for community benefit. The purpose of land banking is to prevent land from remaining idle and ensure that it is eventually used for productive purposes, such as affordable housing, commercial development, parks, or other public facilities. This process can be particularly useful in areas experiencing blight, disinvestment, or depopulation, as it helps stabilize property values and revitalizes neighborhoods.

Land banks can acquire properties through tax foreclosures, donations, or purchases. Once in control of the land, these entities may clear title issues, demolish unsafe structures, or prepare the site for redevelopment. They often hold properties until market conditions improve or until they can be transferred to developers or community organizations for projects aligned with local planning goals, such as affordable housing or green space initiatives.

In private practice, land banking refers to the practice where private individuals, corporations, or investors acquire and hold land, typically with the intention of selling it at a higher value in the future or developing it when market conditions are favorable. Unlike public land banking, which focuses on community benefit, affordable housing, or revitalization, private land banking is often driven by profit motives. Investors may purchase vacant, underdeveloped, or strategically located parcels of land and hold onto them until property values rise, infrastructure improves, or development demand increases.

Land Trusts

Land Trusts are nonprofit organizations that acquire and manage land for conservation, preservation, or community benefit. The primary purpose of a land trust is to protect land from development and ensure it is used in ways that align with public or environmental goals, such as preserving open spaces, natural habitats, agricultural land, or providing affordable housing. Land trusts often work in partnership with local governments, landowners, and community organizations to safeguard land for future generations.

There are two common types of land trusts: conservation land trusts and community land trusts. Conservation land trusts focus on preserving natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, and recreational areas. They often acquire land through purchase, donation, or conservation easements, which legally restrict development while allowing landowners to retain ownership. Community land trusts, on the other hand, focus on affordable housing by holding land in trust while allowing residents to purchase or lease the buildings on the land, maintaining long-term affordability.

Land trusts play a significant role in balancing development pressures with the need for environmental sustainability and housing equity. By holding land for the public good, they help prevent land speculation, protect green spaces, and ensure that critical community needs—such as affordable housing—are met. In urban areas, land trusts can be instrumental in preventing displacement and ensuring that low- and moderate-income residents have access to stable housing, even as property values rise.

Livable Wage

A Livable Wage is the minimum income necessary for an individual or family to meet their basic needs, including housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and other essential expenses, without requiring financial assistance or falling into poverty. Earning a livable wage is closely tied to health and well-being. 

Unlike the minimum wage, which is often set by law and may not account for variations in the cost of living, a livable wage is tailored to the specific cost of living in a particular area and reflects what is needed for a decent standard of living.

Mixed-Use Development

Mixed-Use Development is a type of urban planning and design that integrates residential, commercial, cultural, and sometimes industrial spaces within a single development or neighborhood. The concept is rooted in creating vibrant, walkable communities where people can live, work, shop, and socialize in close proximity. By combining different land uses in one area, mixed-use development fosters a more efficient use of land and resources, reduces the need for long commutes, and promotes a lively, dynamic environment.

These developments typically feature a blend of housing units, retail stores, offices, restaurants, and public spaces, often in a vertical format, such as retail on the ground floor with residential or office spaces above. Mixed-use projects can vary in scale, from single buildings to entire districts, and are increasingly seen as a strategy to promote sustainability by reducing car dependency, lowering emissions, and encouraging walking, biking, and public transit use.

For urban planning, mixed-use development plays a key role in creating compact, efficient urban environments that support economic vitality, social interaction, and environmental sustainability. It encourages diverse land use patterns, reduces urban sprawl, and enhances the overall quality of life by providing residents with convenient access to services and amenities. Planners focus on zoning, infrastructure, and design guidelines to ensure these developments are integrated smoothly into the urban fabric and meet the needs of diverse communities.

Neighborhood Stabilization

Neighborhood Stabilization refers to efforts aimed at revitalizing, preserving, and maintaining the stability of residential communities, particularly in areas experiencing economic decline, foreclosures, or disinvestment. The goal is to prevent further deterioration of the housing stock, ensure long-term affordability, and foster community resilience. This can involve various strategies, such as rehabilitating vacant properties, supporting homeownership, improving public safety, and providing resources for social and economic development.

Stabilization initiatives often focus on addressing blight, reducing crime, and promoting homeownership to create a sense of pride and investment in the community. In many cases, these programs target low-income or historically disadvantaged neighborhoods where disinvestment has led to challenges such as declining property values, abandoned homes, and a lack of essential services. Revitalization efforts might also include improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and fostering stronger community ties through civic engagement.

Participatory Planning

Participatory Planning is a collaborative approach to urban and regional planning that actively involves community members, stakeholders, and various interest groups in the decision-making process. This method seeks to incorporate diverse perspectives and local knowledge into planning efforts to ensure that development projects and policies meet the needs and preferences of the community.

Public Housing

Public Housing refers to government-funded and managed housing designed to provide affordable accommodation for low-income individuals and families. This housing is typically administered by local or national government agencies and aims to offer safe, decent, and affordable living conditions to those who might otherwise struggle to find adequate housing in the private market.

Public housing projects are developed with the goal of addressing housing shortages and ensuring that lower-income residents have access to stable and affordable living environments. These projects can range from apartment complexes and townhouses to mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and community spaces. Public housing often includes amenities such as on-site management, maintenance services, and access to social support services.

For urban planners, public housing is an important component of creating inclusive and equitable communities. Planners must consider how public housing projects fit into the broader urban fabric, ensuring they are well-integrated with transportation networks, educational facilities, and employment opportunities. Additionally, planners work on policies and designs that support the long-term sustainability and quality of public housing, addressing challenges such as overcrowding, maintenance, and community integration.

Resettlement

Resettlement in urban planning, particularly in the context of disaster recovery, involves relocating individuals or communities from areas that are unsafe or unsuitable due to natural or man-made disasters. This process is aimed at ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of affected populations by moving them to new locations where they can rebuild their lives in a more secure environment.

In disaster recovery, resettlement planning includes assessing the needs of displaced populations, identifying suitable new locations, and providing support for the transition. This involves addressing logistical issues such as securing new housing, infrastructure development, and ensuring that essential services like schools, healthcare, and transportation are available in the new area. Additionally, resettlement efforts must consider the social and cultural needs of the displaced communities to help them integrate into their new environment.

For urban planners, managing resettlement requires a comprehensive approach that balances immediate needs with long-term sustainability. Planners must work to ensure that new developments are resilient to future risks, provide equitable access to resources, and foster community engagement to address any concerns and facilitate a smooth transition. By integrating resettlement into disaster recovery strategies, planners can support the recovery of affected populations and contribute to building more resilient and secure communities.

Social Housing

Social Housing refers to government-supported or non-profit-provided housing that is affordable and accessible to low- and middle-income households. The goal of social housing is to ensure that individuals and families who might struggle to afford market-rate housing have a stable, secure place to live. Social housing can take various forms, such as public housing projects, housing cooperatives, or subsidized rental units, and is typically managed by public agencies or non-profit organizations.

Social housing programs aim to reduce housing inequality and provide long-term affordability by offering below-market rents and maintaining rent stability. These programs often target vulnerable populations, including low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Social housing can also foster community well-being by integrating supportive services, such as childcare, job training, or healthcare, to address the broader needs of residents.

For urban planners, social housing is a critical tool in addressing housing shortages, affordability crises, and homelessness. Planning for social housing involves identifying suitable locations, ensuring equitable access to services and amenities, and coordinating with other sectors, such as transportation and education, to create vibrant, inclusive communities. Social housing policies also require balancing long-term sustainability, community integration, and addressing the evolving needs of diverse populations.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement refers to the process of involving individuals, groups, and organizations who have a vested interest in a project, policy, or decision. In urban planning, stakeholders typically include community members, local businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and interest groups, all of whom may be affected by planning decisions or have input into shaping them. Effective stakeholder engagement ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, promoting more inclusive, transparent, and well-rounded outcomes.

Temporary Housing

Temporary Housing refers to short-term living accommodations provided to individuals or families in need of immediate shelter, often in response to emergencies, crises, or displacement. It is commonly used in disaster recovery situations, for people experiencing homelessness, or during housing transitions. Temporary housing can include shelters, hotels, mobile homes, or other types of modular housing designed to be easily set up and removed.

Temporary housing is essential for addressing urgent housing needs while long-term solutions, such as permanent housing or rehabilitation of damaged homes, are being developed. In the aftermath of natural disasters, temporary housing plays a crucial role in providing stability for displaced individuals while infrastructure and permanent residences are being restored. It can also serve as transitional housing for people between homelessness and stable, affordable living arrangements.

Transit-Oriented Development 

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning and design approach that focuses on creating vibrant, mixed-use communities around public transportation hubs, such as bus and train stations. The aim of TOD is to increase accessibility to transit services, reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and promote sustainable urban growth. TOD typically involves integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity to transit facilities, creating a walkable environment that encourages the use of public transportation.

Key components of TOD include high-density development, pedestrian-friendly design, and a mix of land uses that support a range of activities and services. This approach helps reduce traffic congestion, lower transportation costs for residents, and minimize environmental impacts by decreasing the need for car travel. TOD also fosters economic development by increasing property values and supporting local businesses.

For urban planners, TOD is essential for promoting sustainable urban growth and improving transportation efficiency. Planners must ensure that TOD projects are well-integrated with existing transit infrastructure, consider the needs of diverse community members, and align with broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing overall livability. Successful TOD requires careful coordination of land use, transportation planning, and community engagement to create cohesive, accessible, and vibrant urban environments.

Walkability 

Walkability refers to how friendly an area is to walking. Key components include the availability of sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, street connectivity, safety, and the presence of amenities and destinations within a walkable distance.

Benefits of walkability include improve public health by encouraging physical activity, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on automobiles, boosting local business by attracting more foot traffic, and fostering social interaction by creating opportunities for people to meet, converse, and engage with their community

Key strategies to improve walkability include 

• 1) human-scale design:  designing streets and public spaces that are comfortable and inviting for pedestrians. This includes elements like street trees, benches, lighting, and public art; and

• 2) Mixed-use development - where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces coexist, creates destinations within walking distance and supports a vibrant street life.

Challenges to walkability include suburban sprawl: Low-density, car-dependent suburban development patterns often lack the infrastructure and land use diversity necessary to support walkability. In addition, extreme weather conditions can discourage walking. 

Walkability is closely linked to public transit. Planners should ensure that transit stops are accessible by foot and connected to a walkable street network.

Equity considerations: planners should focus on improving walkability in all neighborhoods, particularly underserved communities that may lack safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure. On the other hand, walkable neighborhoods are often in high demand, leading to higher housing costs. Planners need to consider policies that ensure affordable housing options are available in walkable areas.

Workforce Housing

Workforce Housing refers to affordable housing options specifically designed for individuals and families employed in essential or moderate-income jobs. These housing options are intended to provide affordable living spaces for workers such as teachers, police officers, healthcare providers, and other professionals whose incomes are too high to qualify for low-income housing but too low to afford market-rate housing in their communities.