Planet Money
How to fix a housing shortage
Aug 30, 2024
A hopeful developer shares his vision for affordable and energy-efficient apartments in Minneapolis. As he navigates the housing shortage, he encounters community opposition and red tape. The clash between NIMBYism and YIMBYism reflects the deep-rooted challenges facing urban development. Amid reform initiatives, construction halts unexpectedly, revealing a struggle to balance community needs and the urgency of increasing housing supply. Through humorous anecdotes, listeners gain insight into the complexities of sustainable housing amidst socio-economic dilemmas.
23:29
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Quick takeaways
- Cody Fisher's development initiatives highlight the critical importance of increasing housing density to combat the ongoing housing shortage in urban areas.
- The Minneapolis 2040 plan exemplifies a progressive approach to housing policy, yet it faces challenges from local opposition and environmental concerns.
Deep dives
Cody Fisher's Mission
Cody Fisher, a real estate developer, aims to address the pressing housing shortage by focusing on building energy-efficient, carbon-smart housing. He founded Footprint Development to create what is known as 'missing middle housing,' which refers to small to mid-size apartment buildings that are currently lacking in many North American cities. His latest project involves replacing a single yellow house at a prominent intersection in Minneapolis with a four-story, 32-unit mixed-use building, consisting of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. By increasing density on this prime lot, he hopes to provide more housing options for residents in a city that has recognized the need for such developments through ambitious housing policies.
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