Bottom-Up Shorts: Helping People Become Incremental Developers
Dec 3, 2024
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Ken Kunka, a consultant and former building and permitting manager, shares his expertise in small-scale development aimed at building stronger communities. He discusses the significance of infill projects and the challenges faced by underutilized lots. Collaboration is key, as he emphasizes the need for teamwork among developers and local authorities to enhance housing accessibility. Kunka also highlights the importance of transforming urban development through better communication and ongoing education in local governance, paving the way for innovative community growth.
Ken Kunka emphasizes the importance of infill development in addressing housing shortages and meeting intergenerational housing needs within communities.
The podcast advocates for a collaborative approach among local government departments to facilitate effective housing development and reduce bureaucratic barriers.
Deep dives
Introduction of Bottom Up Shorts
A new series of brief episodes titled Bottom Up Shorts will be released weekly, featuring engaging conversations with community members who are making positive changes in their neighborhoods. These episodes aim to showcase ordinary individuals overcoming self-doubt to take action in various capacities. They will complement the existing longer episodes by maintaining a focus on grassroots movements and inspiring stories. This initiative seeks to connect listeners with real-life examples of community development and individual empowerment.
Ken Kunkka's Perspective on Infill Development
Ken Kunkka emphasizes the importance of infill development and streamlined building processes as he works as a consultant for small-scale developers. He discusses the challenges homeowners face when trying to redevelop their properties, particularly in the context of intergenerational housing needs. By focusing on projects like carriage houses, Ken highlights the potential of underutilized lots in his community, advocating for a more engaged and informed approach to local housing solutions. His personal experience as a father searching for housing options for his children drives his passion for creating accessible housing opportunities.
Collaborative Approach in Local Government
Drawing from his extensive experience as a building official, Ken Kunkka explains the need for collaboration between different departments in local government to support effective housing development. He advocates for a shift from a strictly regulatory mindset to a more supportive role for building officials, fostering a sense of teamwork and community engagement. By introducing innovative solutions like concierge services for homeowners, Ken aims to reduce the barriers to small-scale development. His work is fueled by a desire to enhance trust and communication within the local government and to remind officials of the broader goals of community building.
In this episode of Bottom-Up Shorts, host Norm Van Eeden Petersman is joined by Ken Kunka, a consultant and coach for small-scale developers. A former building and permitting manager, Kunka helps others develop their craft as builders of stronger communities, with a focus on infill development. Here’s how he does it.