In this engaging discussion, small-scale developers Alli Quinlan and Bernice Radle share their experiences and challenges in incremental development. They passionately advocate for increased female participation in urban planning. The duo highlights the importance of redefining zoning laws to create affordable housing and foster community connections. They also delve into 'cute equity,' emphasizing how aesthetic renovations can uplift property value. Their personal journeys inspire creativity and collaboration, encouraging more women to step into the development arena.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of encouraging women to engage in incremental development, highlighting their unique perspectives as vital for community-oriented progress.
A critical examination of zoning codes reveals unnecessary restrictions that hinder small-scale development, advocating for flexible revisions to address affordability and inclusivity.
The discussion showcases the impact of incremental approaches to development, demonstrating how small, creative improvements to existing structures can significantly enhance neighborhood appeal.
Deep dives
Local Motive Training Sessions Introduction
The local motive training sessions are a series of live workshops designed to empower community advocates with essential tools to strengthen their neighborhoods. These sessions will occur weekly on Thursdays from September 12 to October 31, covering a wide array of topics ranging from improved safety for children commuting to school, to urban investment strategies that enhance housing without displacing residents. Participants can either register for individual workshops or opt for all eight sessions, which include insights from guest speakers from various notable organizations. Additionally, Strong Towns staff will share their expertise, making this training an invaluable resource for advocates seeking to create resilient urban spaces.
Women in Incremental Development
The discussion highlights the growing community of women involved in incremental development, showcasing a variety of experiences and backgrounds among female developers. Specifically, the speakers reflect on how their roles as small-scale developers integrate personal life and professional aspirations, demonstrating that nurturing communities is a vital aspect of their work. They discuss the courage required in the field, often confronting the challenges of gender dynamics and financial risks in a traditionally male-dominated environment. There's a palpable encouragement for other women to engage in development, emphasizing that their unique perspectives are essential for creating vibrant, community-oriented spaces.
Zoning Code Changes for Small Developers
The conversation includes a critical examination of zoning codes and their impact on small-scale development, with particular emphasis on the unnecessary restrictions that inhibit growth. Suggested changes include the removal of minimum lot sizes and parking requirements to foster a more inclusive development environment. The speakers advocate for a re-evaluation of single-family zoning, proposing more flexibility to allow for additional housing units within existing properties to address affordability. By prioritizing nuanced and context-sensitive zoning revisions, they aim to create a landscape amenable to diverse housing types that cater to various community needs.
Incremental and Creative Development Practices
A central theme is the importance of incremental approaches to development and the value of creativity in enhancing existing structures. Examples shared include utilizing paint, restoration efforts, and historical features to improve neighborhood appeal efficiently and affordably. This approach reveals that even small changes, like updating facade colors or focusing on landscaping, can significantly impact residents' feelings about their environment. By focusing on the unique quirks of older buildings and embracing character over homogeneity, these developers foster a sense of community pride and continuity.
Community Engagement and Future Directions
The speakers express a desire to foster community engagement in urban development, noting the necessity for connectivity among residents. They emphasize creating spaces that invite participation from families by integrating children in social and civic activities, which can lead to broader community involvement and satisfaction. Future local development plans aim to facilitate gatherings in informal settings, making urban planning processes more accessible. By cultivating environments where residents feel encouraged to participate and contribute, they envision a more vibrant and responsive community fabric that reflects the collective needs of its inhabitants.
In this episode of Upzoned, host Abby Newsham is joined by small-scale developers Alli Quinlan and Bernice Radle. They discuss their experiences in the field of incremental development, how to make incremental development more feasible in your city, and the importance of encouraging women to become incremental developers.
