A Case Study in Planning for Inclusion and Affordability

New federal programs are enabling planning processes that deliver positive outcomes for a broader scope of the population. Seattle provides an example of how federal money is supporting the success of inclusive planning processes.

1 minute read

June 22, 2015, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Alexis Stephens shares news of a recent report by the Institute for Sustainable Communities that evaluates the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI). The Better Plans for Better Places report provides positive reinforcement for SCI as a shift in the federal approach to planning—away from "pretty renderings" and toward considerations of affordability and inclusion.

Stephens examines the case studies provided by a community challenge grant awarded to the city of Seattle, totaling $3 million "to prevent residential, cultural and commercial displacement connected to the 2009 expansion of the city’s light-rail line…"

Stephens goes on detail the processes of the Community Cornerstones project enabled in part by the grant, which achieved laudable outcomes in pursuit of three key goals: "new affordable family-sized housing near the new light-rail stations, support for the multicultural business districts in southeast Seattle, and support for cultural organizations through the creation of a shared, multicultural community center."

FULL STORY: Shifting Planning From Pretty Renderings to Affordability and Inclusion

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 in Next City

Community / Economic Development Social / Demographics Urban Development United States Washington Planning Sustainable Communities Initiative Department of Housing and Urban Development Seattle Institute for Sustainable Communities Community Cornerstones View More

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