What Is Density?

Urban density is the number of people living in a particular urban area and is an important aspect of how cities function. When cities have high density, they tend to be more walkable and have better transportation options. When cities rely on single-passenger vehicles as their primary means of transit, they lack sustainability and quality of life choices that can only come about when urban communities are built for their human users rather than their cars.⁠

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Density is a key quality for sustainability, but excessively high density or poorly managed density can negatively impact a city’s health and social wellbeing.⁠

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Poorly managed density leads to overcrowding. There may be a minimum threshold of square footage of dwelling space per person required to not be considered overcrowded, but generally, overcrowding is linked to management and perception. ⁠

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From a management perspective, overcrowding is the result of inadequate management and provision of resources such as water, electricity and housing.⁠

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What is MultiGenerational Housing?

According to the U.S Census Bureau, multigenerational housing occurs when three or more generations live under one roof. About 4% of all U.S households are multigenerational. Why does that matter? That number is projected to be on the rise, and there are a few benefits. The three main reasons for having a multigenerational housing arrangement include financial, situational, and cultural factors.

Multiple generations of one family under one roof can be rewarding and challenging. Family members can share caregiving duties. They can also share the costs associated with housing. Deeper bonds can be developed between family members. Older adults who interact with children have more positive outcomes, including less depressive symptoms and increased sense of purpose.

extension.sdstate.edu/multigenerational-housing-101

What is Zoning?

What is zoning? How does zoning impact you? ⁠ ⁠ The city promotes orderly growth and land use while protecting existing property owners by grouping together compatible development — a practice known as zoning.⁠ ⁠ In theory, this sounds great, right? The problem that often arises is while housing costs rise, because of zoning laws, the option for affordable housing options such as a triplexes, granny flats, apartment complexes, multiplexes are limited.⁠ ⁠ If ever there was a moment for pro-housing -- “Yes In My Backyard” reforms that allow for the development of denser, neighborhood appropriate housing -- it should be now. In many U.S. cities, housing costs have ballooned beyond the reach of millions of Americans, and evidence suggests that restrictions on where you can build are largely to blame. ⁠ ⁠ Desegregate CT, an advocacy group in Connecticut, found that a triplex or fourplex can be built without going through additional approvals in just 2% of Connecticut, while single-family homes are legal in 91% of the state.⁠ ⁠ Sources: ⁠ https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/.../develo.../zoning%E2%81%A0 https://people.uwec.edu/ivogeler/w270/what_is_zoning.htm⁠ https://www.bloomberg.com/.../hyperlocal-zoning-can...