The hottest Urban Development Substack posts right now

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Prepare for the Era of the Shy NIMBY

Freddie deBoer • 2011 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Local Governance Political Movements Homeownership Urban Development
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My Backyard' people, often get less media attention than YIMBYs, who support building more homes. This can make it hard for their concerns about housing and community rights to be heard.
  2. Many people quietly hold NIMBY views but don’t speak up due to social pressure. This could be similar to the shy Trump voters — they might vote for policies that protect their interests even if they don't openly discuss it.
  3. To make progress on housing issues, it's important to find common ground with NIMBYs. Understanding their worries can help foster cooperation and lead to better solutions for everyone.

Model City Monday 2/3/25

Astral Codex Ten • 15417 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitutional Law Political strategy Urban Development Investment International relations
  1. The Honduran Supreme Court has ruled charter cities unconstitutional, impacting Prospera, which is now trying to adapt to regular laws while also pursuing a $10 billion lawsuit for damages.
  2. Saudi Arabia's NEOM project, initially planned as a long linear city, has scaled back to a shorter model, focusing on hosting upcoming major events, showcasing the challenges in large city development.
  3. Trump has proposed creating ten 'freedom cities' on federal land in the U.S., sparking debate about the feasibility and implications of building new cities in less desirable locations.

How Good Are American Roads?

Construction Physics • 25889 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transportation Policy Analysis Urban Development Public Spending
  1. US interstate roads are generally in good shape, with over 80% rated as good or very good. However, urban roads are often much worse, with many in poor condition.
  2. While American roads have decent quality, particularly interstates, there is limited data to compare them directly with roads in other countries, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.
  3. Roads in major US cities can be quite bad, especially in places like California, indicating a need for better maintenance and improvement in urban infrastructure.

Cuomo is the candidate of NIMBYs and developers. What gives?

Urben Field Notes • 135 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Housing policy Political alliances Urban Development Progressivism
  1. In New York City's mayoral race, the candidates are showing strange alliances, with some supporting both NIMBY homeowners and developers. This shows how housing issues don't fit neatly into political boxes.
  2. Cuomo has gained support from both sides by promising to protect certain neighborhoods while also getting backing from big developers. This reflects the ongoing struggle in housing politics that often benefits established interests over new ideas.
  3. Many candidates are pushing for more balanced housing policies that would allow development across a wider range of neighborhoods. However, real change will require serious planning and effort to create affordable housing options.

Development hailed as biggest transformation of town’s centre since ‘great fire’ has likely ‘considerable viability and funding gap’

NN Journal • 238 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Public Policy Urban Development Economic Development Infrastructure
  1. The Greyfriars area in Northampton is set for a big redevelopment, but there are concerns about money to make it happen. A partnership with a regeneration company aims to figure out the costs and plans soon.
  2. This project could create over 7,000 jobs and boost the local economy by one billion pounds, but how to pay for it all is still unclear.
  3. Local leaders are excited about this transformation, viewing it as a chance to fix past development mistakes and improve the town's center significantly.
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No, this isn't normal

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 463 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Policy Urban Development Social Issues Political Economy
  1. Many people argue that housing costs have always been high, but this isn't accurate. In the past, housing prices were much more stable compared to the rapid increases we've seen in the last few decades.
  2. High housing costs today are not just due to demand. There's a complex web of factors that includes limited housing supply and economic changes, which makes it harder for people, especially those with lower incomes, to afford homes.
  3. The impact of rising rent prices isn't felt equally. While wealthier areas may see rents that align with income growth, poorer communities face much higher rent increases, making it challenging for families to maintain their living situations.

L.A. Was Built to Burn

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4363 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Ecosystems Urban Development Natural Disasters Environmental policies
  1. Los Angeles is built in a way that fire is part of its natural environment. This means wildfires will keep happening regardless of who is in charge.
  2. The area has a history of being described as a grassland, not a desert, and fires are a normal part of this ecosystem.
  3. Some experts believe that certain areas in L.A. should never have been developed because they are prone to burning, making homes there very risky.

Credit Where Credit Is Due: Nashville & Charlotte!

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Trends Real Estate
  1. Nashville has a unique housing law that helps build affordable starter homes, making it a great place for newcomers. It's important to look at different regions when discussing housing costs.
  2. Charlotte also deserves recognition for managing housing prices better than expected. It's not just the well-known cities that have good housing policies.
  3. Overall, housing costs have risen in Nashville, Charlotte, and Austin over the years, but these cities still have relatively better conditions compared to others. Keeping an eye on varied areas can provide a fuller picture of the housing market.

Berkeley's Evolution On Housing

The Discourse Lounge • 1557 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Housing policy Urban Development Local government Political trends
  1. Berkeley has shifted from being anti-housing to supporting more development. This change started with more people believing that building homes can help fix the housing crisis.
  2. The recent elections showed that urbanist candidates, who want to build more housing, are becoming popular. Voters are now more open to ideas like upzoning and building densely, which wasn't the case a decade ago.
  3. There's a new agreement among city leaders about the need for more housing, shifting away from anti-urban policies. This consensus is important because it allows the city to focus on other issues instead of constantly debating housing.

Households and Houses

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Trends Homeownership Rental market
  1. There's a big housing shortage in the U.S., with millions of homes missing compared to the number of households that want them. This means many people can't find decent places to live.
  2. Most new building has focused on single-family homes, but there's a growing need for more apartments. Many cities have rules that make it hard to build these apartments, which worsens the housing situation.
  3. To fix the housing problem, we can either try to stop investment in single-family home rentals or change the laws to build more apartments. Making it easier to build apartments is a better choice for everyone.

Expensive Cities Aren't Attractive Cities: I swear, the last post

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 295 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development City Planning
  1. Cities that are expensive to live in often push out lower-income residents. This leads to a loss of diversity and change in community dynamics.
  2. The income levels in these cities can be misleading. Much of the high income averages come from the remaining, more affluent residents after the poorer ones leave.
  3. Simply being a popular or thriving city doesn't guarantee economic excellence. Many such cities suffer from issues that make them less appealing for all residents.

Expensive Cities Aren't Attractive Cities: Follow Up

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 273 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Inequality Land use Real Estate
  1. Expensive cities are usually not as desirable as people think. They often have high rents and limited growth due to strict building rules.
  2. Increasing the number of homes over time can help lower housing costs, but this process takes years and won't cause quick drops in prices.
  3. Arguments against the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement often rely on unproven claims. In reality, cities that allow more development can remain affordable and vibrant.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 3

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Trends Real Estate Local government
  1. Many cities have the ability to build more homes. This could help solve the housing shortage that many areas are facing right now.
  2. Some regions struggle with local rules that make it hard to build new homes, while others have been affected by tight mortgage lending practices.
  3. The Midwest has been particularly hit by the lack of new housing construction, even with growing demand, mainly due to mortgage issues from the last decade.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 2

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Economic Trends Urban Development
  1. There's a significant housing shortage in many metro areas, estimated to be about 10% of the total housing stock nationwide. This means many places don't have enough homes for everyone who wants to live there.
  2. The housing shortage has changed over time, often depending on local conditions and policies. Some areas had bigger shortages in the past due to population movement and construction slowdowns.
  3. When housing production drops, it usually leads to people moving away from cities with limited homes. This creates a cycle where demand keeps rising, but construction can't keep up, leading to more shortages.

How To Collect The Lost Churches Of London

Londonist: Time Machine • 359 implied HN points • 15 May 24
💾 History London Collectibles Maps Urban Development
  1. The Lost London Churches project offers 110 collectable cards depicting City of London churches, encouraging exploration of historic buildings and supporting maintenance through donations.
  2. Collectors can visit surviving churches to pick up packs of five random church cards for free, promoting a sense of discovery and community engagement.
  3. In addition to the cards, a Collector's Booklet provides detailed information about the churches and includes a beautifully reworked version of the 1677 Ogilby and Morgan map, offering a rich experience for London history enthusiasts.

Expensive Cities Aren't Attractive Cities: One Last Word

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Inequality City Planning
  1. Expensive cities aren't necessarily better places to live. They often face issues like high housing costs and displacement of lower-income residents.
  2. Geographic inequality is a big problem, with only a few cities offering better opportunities and amenities. Many other cities have the potential to be great but aren't being developed.
  3. To make cities better, we need to focus on building affordable and accessible spaces rather than just following trends of what is currently expensive.

Why housing shortages cause homelessness

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Homelessness Social Issues Urban Development Public Policy
  1. Housing shortages and high costs make it harder for families and friends to offer shelter to those in need. When prices rise, there's less space available for people to stay with loved ones.
  2. Many individuals avoid homelessness by living with family or friends, especially in places with lower housing costs. This support network plays a key role in keeping vulnerable people off the streets.
  3. Solutions to homelessness should focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing. Better housing options help families support one another and prevent individuals from slipping into homelessness.

Dallas vs. Austin: Brief Clarification

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Trends Land use
  1. Dallas and Austin are two different cities with their own unique characteristics. It's good to know what sets them apart when considering living or investing there.
  2. Understanding the housing market in both cities can help you make better decisions. Each area has different trends and demands.
  3. Comparing these cities can provide insights into job opportunities and lifestyle options. It’s important to think about what matters most to you.

Rent inflation since Covid

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Inflation Economic Trends Urban Development Migration
  1. Rent prices have risen significantly since Covid, especially in areas with low housing supply. This has caused many families to struggle with housing costs.
  2. After a temporary shift in housing demand during the pandemic, some families moved away from expensive urban areas. However, this has led to rising rents in previously cheaper neighborhoods.
  3. Currently, rent inflation seems to be moderating, which is good news for families. If housing construction continues to grow, it could help families afford better living situations.

October 2024 Erdmann Housing Tracker Update

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💰 Finance Housing Market Real Estate Economic Trends Urban Development Supply Chain
  1. Rents are going up because there's not enough housing supply. Even as rents rise, home prices continue to reflect this shortage.
  2. Since the housing crisis in 2008, homes in larger cities have generally become cheaper, while smaller cities have seen their prices increase. The mortgage restrictions ended up making things worse for affordable housing.
  3. The main issue with housing costs isn't about big-city advantages, but rather it's about how difficult it is to build new homes in many areas, leading to a supply problem.

Unique Locations of Rich Cities

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💾 History Urban Development Economic Theory Cultural Exchange
  1. Cities become rich not just because of resources, but often due to their location. Being in the right place for trade can make a huge difference.
  2. Historical and modern successful cities like Singapore, Amsterdam, and London thrived because they were trade hubs. They had good harbors and access to important waterways.
  3. Even if a city has challenges like diversity or resource scarcity, its strategic location can lead to economic success. This shows that trade routes and connections can often matter more than local resources.

What Homes Are Missing (by Tenure)?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Impacts
  1. Many families are moving from cities with low homeownership to suburbs where buying homes is easier. This shift is due to different housing policies in urban areas that limit new building.
  2. There is a significant shortage of homes, estimated to be around 10 million units. This shortage is partly caused by barriers to mortgage access and the decline in new home construction.
  3. The market for rental homes is expected to grow because of the high demand for housing. However, local rules and costs may prevent enough new homes from being built to meet this demand.

Something interesting is happening in Tulsa

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 2611 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Community Society Social justice Urban Development Philanthropy
  1. Tulsa, Oklahoma is experiencing positive transformations due to the efforts of wealthy individuals and community foundations.
  2. The Tulsa Tomorrow program aims to attract young Jewish individuals to Tulsa by offering job opportunities, social events, and resources to fulfill their dreams.
  3. Wealthy individuals in Tulsa have made significant investments to improve the city, showing visible impact in contrast to certain bureaucratic challenges faced by other cities.

L.A. Will Keep Having Catastrophic Fires No Matter Who You Blame

KERFUFFLE • 131 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildfires Urban Development Ecosystems Climate change Environmental Policy
  1. Los Angeles is naturally a grassland, not a desert, and wildfires are part of its ecosystem. This means that as long as we live there, we're going to deal with fires.
  2. Urban development in L.A. happened very quickly, making it one of the few cities that sits right next to wild nature. This close proximity makes it more likely for fires to spread from wild areas to neighborhoods.
  3. Many of the problems with wildfires come from development patterns established long ago. The places where we live today were built before the fire risks were fully understood.

7 Charts Show the Housing Tipping Point Has Arrived

The New Urban Order • 199 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Housing Supply and Demand Real Estate Economics Urban Development
  1. There is a significant increase in multifamily housing supply, signaling a potential tipping point in the housing industry.
  2. Cities like Minneapolis that have increased housing supply are seeing a decrease in rent prices, showcasing the impact of supply and demand in the housing market.
  3. The increase in housing supply across the U.S. is leading to declines in rent prices in many major markets, demonstrating the effectiveness of increasing supply to address housing affordability.

San Francisco grows up and slims down

Urben Field Notes • 189 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Urban Development Housing policy Architecture Zoning Laws Social Issues
  1. San Francisco is changing its building rules, allowing taller, skinnier apartment buildings. This is a big shift in how the city builds new homes.
  2. The new buildings will replace old, less useful structures, helping neighborhoods grow without destroying local history. They also offer space for small shops, making the area more vibrant.
  3. A new law is making it quicker to approve housing projects, which could lead to more of these new developments actually being built. This opens up opportunities for people to find homes in the city.

Insuring Progress

Model Thinking • 259 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
💼 Business Regulation Innovation Costs Urban Development Technology
  1. Replacing process-based regulations with outcome-based regulations can help boost British growth in sectors like childcare, energy, and housing
  2. Introducing Mandatory Insurance Schemes in sectors with low-probability, high-downside events can incentivize safety compliance and ensure victims get compensated
  3. Outcome-based regulations can lead to cost-effective safety procedures, technological innovation, and more resilient policy reforms, thereby helping Britain move forward in various industries

Updating my priors on missing middle

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 379 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💼 Business Real Estate Housing Market Urban Development Supply and Demand
  1. Missing middle housing developments can be more impactful in addressing housing affordability issues than previously thought.
  2. Simply advocating for 'build more' without considering the complexity and various factors at play may not fully address housing supply constraints.
  3. Increasing the construction of 'missing middle' housing units significantly could play a crucial role in normalizing the American housing market and addressing housing shortages.

When Fill Fails

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 319 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban planning Infrastructure Ecology Sustainability Urban Development
  1. Urban infrastructure, like the Light Rail tracks, can suffer from problems due to unstable ground and filling materials. Over time, these materials can sink or degrade, causing issues.
  2. Seattle's tideflats were completely filled by the 1920s to create new land, but this fill was often not properly stabilized. This can lead to things like subsidence during events like earthquakes.
  3. Sound Transit had extensive knowledge of the fill conditions before building the Light Rail but still faces criticism for the ongoing issues. People expect more from transit authorities regarding infrastructure stability.

Make Office Buildings Fun Again

The New Urban Order • 279 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Real Estate Housing Urban Development Social Trends Innovation
  1. Converting office buildings into co-living spaces can help address social challenges like loneliness and offer more housing options.
  2. Co-living is a shared living model that emphasizes intentional community through communal spaces and activities.
  3. Co-living has the potential to be a source of affordable housing, cater to different demographics like seniors and digital nomads, and could be aligned with co-working spaces for a more integrated urban living experience.

Against Agglomeration Economies

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 252 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
💼 Business Economics Cities Housing Urban Development
  1. Economists often overemphasize the productivity of cities as the reason for expensive housing, leading to misdiagnoses and biases.
  2. High income gains have been observed in cities that didn't experience significant growth in housing units, challenging the concept of agglomeration economies.
  3. Income disparities among cities have increased over time, with a significant impact from Closed Access displacement, showing the importance of considering factors beyond productivity in city assessments.

Should Cities Buy Office Buildings?

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
💼 Business Real Estate Investment Government Urban Development Economics
  1. Experienced investors are seizing the opportunity to acquire distressed office buildings due to significant investment momentum and low prices.
  2. Cities are offering incentives like tax abatements and low-interest loans to encourage the purchase and conversion of office buildings into residential spaces.
  3. Cities could benefit by investing in distressed office buildings themselves to shape the future of their urban landscapes and prevent missed opportunities, similar to what happened after the Great Financial Crisis.

Mapping Landscape Change

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 06 Jul 23
💾 History Maps Geography Cultures Urban Development
  1. Maps of Lake Union show how it has changed over time, reflecting both natural and human impacts. This gives us a glimpse into the area's history and development.
  2. The lake was named during an important picnic in 1854, where ideas about transportation and community connections were discussed. This moment highlights how people shape places.
  3. By the mid-20th century, Lake Union had become industrialized, illustrating the balance between nature and urban growth. It makes us wonder how it will look in the future.

The death of a pub: Rochester Castle, N16

The Leftovers • 119 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture London Community Urban Development
  1. Pubs are important social spaces that foster community, diversity, and human connection. The disappearance of pubs in London reflects a broader issue of losing social spaces in cities.
  2. The Rochester Castle, despite being a Wetherspoon, has historical significance and unique charm that has made it a cherished gathering place for diverse locals.
  3. The potential sale of the Rochester Castle threatens to displace many regulars, including vulnerable groups like pensioners, highlighting the negative impact of commercial decisions on community interaction and well-being.

Why more housing appears to make things worse

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💰 Finance Housing Market Supply Demand Economic Impact Urban Development
  1. About 30-40% of people don't believe increasing housing supply will lower prices or rents.
  2. In cities with limited housing supply, population growth can lead to decreased housing availability, impacting affordability.
  3. Cities that don't build enough housing can have negative impacts on low-income residents, forcing displacement and exacerbating housing affordability issues.

Build housing in S.F.'s Presidio? It's not as crazy as it sounds.

Urben Field Notes • 48 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Urban Development Economic Inequality
  1. Building housing in San Francisco's Presidio is a feasible idea. There is space available that won't harm nature or historic sites.
  2. A new model of social housing could work well in the Presidio. This means creating affordable homes by mixing different income levels in one area.
  3. People should discuss how much new development is right for the Presidio. Finding a balance between more housing and keeping the area beautiful is important.