Will Harris be a YIMBY president? (left); NJ TRANSIT focuses on Pennsauken; Black parents see transportation as a childcare barrier; How to talk about zoning reform; Asia leads the way on climate-resilient cities (right top-to-bottom)
Article of the Week
Why Kamala Harris Will Be a YIMBY President
Adele Peters, FastCompany, September 10 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris, in her presidential campaign, announced a comprehensive housing policy to address the U.S. housing crisis. Harris aims to build 3 million new homes over four years, focusing on alleviating the effects of restrictive zoning and the lingering impact of the 2008 market crash. Her plan includes tax incentives for developers, a $40 billion affordable housing fund, and streamlined permitting processes. Additionally, she proposes linking federal transportation funding to local housing development and using federal land for new home construction. While her policy builds on efforts from previous administrations, Harris emphasizes housing-first policies, prioritizing housing affordability as
a critical national issue.
NJ TOD News
PENNSAUKEN—Pennsauken Transit Center Focus of NJ TRANSIT Study
All Around Pennsauken, September 12 2024
NJ TRANSIT is evaluating the Pennsauken Transit Center for transit-oriented development (TOD) using a $100,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. TOD fosters sustainable growth by creating vibrant, mixed-use communities that reduce vehicle reliance and strengthen economic resilience. Residents can share feedback at upcoming community events or through an online survey.
CAMDEN—A Pioneering Camden Development Next to a PATCO Station Is Getting a Reboot
Kevin Riordan, The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 11 2024
Camden’s Ferry Avenue Station is undergoing a revitalization with the construction of Oliver Station, a mixed-use development featuring 47 affordable senior apartments and a Virtua primary care facility. The project, part of Camden’s efforts to capitalize on its proximity to PATCO transit, reflects a broader trend toward transit-oriented development (TOD) aimed at fostering vibrant, accessible communities. Local leaders hope this initiative will spur further development and enhance the quality of life for residents.
NEWARK—New Newark Law Paves Way for Ironbound High Rises
Matt Kadosh, TAPinto Newark, September 7 2024
The Newark City Council has passed a law that triples the allowable building height for new high-rise developments in the Ironbound district, paving the way for four towers with a combined 1,400 apartments. East Ward Councilman Michael Silva, who sponsored the measure, argues it will generate substantial tax revenue for infrastructure and public safety improvements. However, residents like Shavani Hurry of the Ironbound Community Corporation have raised concerns about “spot zoning.” Hurry also criticized the affordability criteria, pointing out a disconnect between the requirements and Newark’s median household income. Additionally, there are concerns that the rezoning could threaten riverfront land
previously designated for a park, despite assurances of
open space preservation.
Transit and Equity News
NEW JERSEY—Taxing “Super Luxury” Home Sales Could Make New Jersey Affordable for More Residents
Peter Chen, New Jersey Policy Perspective Blog, September 10 2024
Peter Chen, senior policy analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, advocates for applying a higher fee to expensive home sales to fund affordable housing, rental assistance, and working family tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. He cites research from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, which suggests a 4 percent tax on homes over $1 million could generate substantial revenue for New Jersey.
PENNSYLVANIA—Pittsburgh Wants to Require Multifamily Projects to Include Affordable Housing
David Holtzman, CoStar News, September 10 2024
Pittsburgh is proposing a citywide inclusionary zoning policy that requires developers to set aside 10 percent of units in multifamily projects for affordable housing. The proposal also eliminates parking and minimum lot size mandates and encourages more development near transit stations. Developers and housing advocates, however, argue that it could discourage new construction. The city council will consider the ordinance in early 2025.
NEW JERSEY—Towns Sue to Invalidate New Jersey’s New Affordable Housing Law
Dana DiFilippo, New Jersey Monitor, September 9 2024
Nine New Jersey towns have filed a lawsuit to overturn a new affordable housing law, claiming it imposes unconstitutional mandates on municipalities. The law, signed in March, seeks to enforce the Mount Laurel doctrine, requiring towns to provide low- and moderate-income housing. Critics, including housing advocates, argue that the lawsuit is an attempt by affluent communities to delay their affordable housing obligations amidst a statewide housing crisis.
25% of Black Parents Agree: Transportation a Childcare Barrier
Justin McCarthy, Gallup, September 5 2024
A study by the University of North Carolina and Gallup found that 25 percent of Black parents see transportation as a major barrier to their childcare arrangements, with the issue affecting nearly half of single Black parents. The transportation challenge is more pronounced for lower-income households, where 31 percent report it as a significant problem. The findings underscore the broader issue of limited transportation access, particularly for low-income and single-parent families, in securing reliable childcare.
Regional and National TOD News
TEXAS—Study Highlights Economic Impact of Transit-Oriented Developments
Kristen Smithberg, GlobeSt.com, September 11 2024
A University of North Texas study found that transit-oriented developments (TODs) near Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) stations generated nearly $1 billion in direct spending and created over 10,000 jobs. Focusing on 31 real estate projects built between 2019 and 2021, the study highlighted a mix of commercial, residential, and public developments. The $17.1 billion economic impact underscores TOD’s potential to enhance connectivity and boost economic vitality in rapidly urbanizing areas.
End Single-Family Zoning’ Is Bad Political Messaging
Jenny Schuetz, Brookings, September 10 2024
Brookings senior fellow Jenny Schuetz explains how state and local zoning reforms are beginning to address rising housing costs by allowing smaller, more affordable homes such as ADUs and duplexes. She contends that the phrase “end single-family zoning” is misleading and imprecise, as these reforms expand housing options rather than ban single-family homes. Schuetz advocates for more precise language to guide policy decisions and ease concerns about the impact on existing neighborhoods, emphasizing gradual increases in housing supply through diverse housing types.
OHIO—What to Know About Cota Levy: Columbus Wants to Catch Up to Other Cities with Rapid Bus Lines
Jordan Laird, The Columbus Dispatch, September 9 2024
In November 2024, Franklin County voters will decide on a 0.5% sales tax increase to fund the LinkUS initiative, which aims to modernize public transportation in Columbus. This tax would expand COTA services, including bus rapid transit, and improve sidewalks and bikeways. The vote aligns with the “Zone In Columbus” zoning updates to promote sustainable growth, enhance transit options, increase housing, and support job center development. If approved, the levy could generate $8 billion by 2050 to address growing transportation needs as the region’s population expands.
International TOD News
UNITED KINGDOM—What is the Environmental Cost of NI’s Car Dependency?
Louise Cullen, BBC, September 9 2024
Transportation accounts for 18.1 percent of Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making it the region’s second-largest source. After more than a century of auto-centric planning, Northern Ireland is now working to reverse this trend in pursuit of its 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Plans include constructing a new Grand Central Station to boost public transit and active transportation options. However, experts highlight that cultural barriers to reducing car dependency persist. Financial constraints and Northern Ireland’s rural landscape further complicate efforts to meet climate targets and transition to a sustainable future.
ETHIOPIA—Demolitions in Ethiopia Are Giving Rise to a New Addis Ababa – It Comes at the Expense of the City’s Residents
Fikir Getaneh Haile, The Conversation, September 8 2024
Since 2018, neighborhoods like the Piassa section of Addis Ababa have seen significant demolitions as part of Ethiopia’s aggressive urban renewal strategy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the city aims to attract foreign direct investment with grand projects such as the Yeka Hills palace. While Ahmed’s approach seeks to modernize the capital, it has led to the displacement of thousands of residents. The emphasis on large-scale developments often risks undermining the rights of
local communities, raising concerns about the social costs
of rapid urbanization.
Climate-Resilient Cities: Leading the Charge in Asia and the Pacific
Seerat Chabba and Kavita Sukanandan, UNESCAP, September 6 2024
As Asian cities like Bangkok and New Delhi continue to grow, recreational areas will provide the necessary urban relief for their burgeoning populations. Cities in the Asia-Pacific region face unique climate challenges, positioning them as centers for climate-conscious policies, from housing to transit. Areas such as Bangkok’s Lumphini Park or Kuala Lumpur’s vertical forests are pioneering sustainability and resilience. As cities expand, they will not only involve technological solutions, but also community involvement and equitable access to green spaces.
NIGERIA—World Bank Proposes Solutions for Abuja’s Housing, Transport Crisis
Maduka Nweke, The Sun, September 6 2024
The Nigerian capital, Abuja, is grappling with a housing and transit crisis as its population continues to rise. In response, the World Bank has proposed strategies to address these challenges, with a focus on improving affordable housing and mobility systems. Will Bradley, the World Bank’s Consultant for Urban Livability & Mobility, criticized the inefficacy of current housing programs and pointed to the shortage of licensed taxis, which undermines security and safety. Bradley recommended introducing a subsidized bus service and adopting integrated transit management systems, similar to those in Lagos. These strategies were discussed at the 2024 Gender and Inclusion Summit.