Apartment construction was the most widespread form of construction in Southeast Michigan during 2017, according to a recent report.
Allie Gross reports: "Southeast Michigan is seeing a swell in development, according to a new report by Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, which found that the region issued more than 11,000 building permits in 2017 — a 16% increase from the year prior."
Of that construction, multi-family was the most common, and apartment construction was the most popular of all. "The region saw a 23% increase in apartment construction from the year prior," according to Gross. "Condominium construction increased by 14% and single-family construction increased by 13%."
According to the report, the wave of multi-family construction is caused by demand for more affordable urban housing options. JC Reindl reported earlier in the month that a lack of starter homes in Detroit is leaving first-time buyers "in the lurch." Developers report that "it is now hard to make a profit on entry-level homes because of higher construction materials costs, a shortage in construction labor, local zoning and regulation issues and the cost of land in desirable areas."
FULL STORY: Apartment construction up 23% in metro Detroit
Explaining the Housing Market via Footwear
What the shoe industry can teach us about the housing crisis.
Report: Why It Costs so Much to Build Housing in Austin
The study highlights high real estate costs as well as restrictive zoning regulations and building requirements that delay multi-family construction.
Austin Council Proposes Multi-Family Affordable Housing Program
The proposal would permit larger buildings on single-family lots.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service