City Population Size: mid (150-500k)

Data visualization: Transforming local housing data into engaging visual narratives

This piece provides an overview of the significance of data visualization in transforming complex housing data into easily comprehensible graphical representations. It also emphasizes the increasing adoption of various visualization tools by cities, towns, and counties to present housing data effectively, ranging from simple charts to interactive dashboards. Additionally, it outlines key considerations and best practices for creating impactful housing-related visualizations, supplemented with multiple illustrative examples.

Designing a local remediation ordinance: Lesson from Cleveland, OH; Syracuse, NY; and Toledo, OH

This brief provides a practical guide to local “lead laws” for cities interested in preventing exposure to lead-based paint hazards. It begins with a primer on these ordinances: what they are and how they work. We then provide a brief scan of local lead laws around the country. The third section draws on interviews with practitioners working to implement three recently approved lead laws in Cleveland, OH; Syracuse, NY; and Toledo, OH; to identify key decision points. Finally, we provide individual case summaries on the three sites.

Exploring rental registries across U.S. localities

This brief examines the implementation and impact of rental registries in five U.S. localities—Portland, ME; Cedar Rapids, IA; Jersey City, NJ; Oakland, CA; and Concord, CA—illustrating how these customized databases enhance understanding of local rental markets.

Lessons learned from a Community Benefits Agreement in Cincinnati, Ohio

In 2017, FC Cincinnati proposed building a Major League Soccer stadium in the West End, a historically Black, low-income neighborhood. To address concerns of displacement and inequity, the club negotiated a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with the West End Community Council and the Port of Greater Cincinnati. This CBA aimed to support local youth, affordable housing, and community development. While it brought tangible benefits like financial support for neighborhood programs, the rushed negotiations and lack of enforcement mechanisms hindered its effectiveness in preventing resident displacement. Lessons from this CBA highlight the importance of community involvement, transparency, and strong legal frameworks in CBA processes.

Local policies that support missing middle housing and accessory dwelling units

This brief profiles land use and other policies related to missing middle housing and ADUs in eight localities.

Preserving legacy homeownership for seniors: Lessons from Baltimore’s HUBS Program

Discover how Baltimore's HUBS program supports senior homeowners with home repairs, accessibility upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements while fostering community partnerships to preserve legacy homeownership and promote equity.

Preserving naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) in Brooklyn Park, MN

This case study examines a suburban community that dedicated funding to preserve its stock of market-rate affordable rental properties, commonly referred to as naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). The City of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, established the Brooklyn Park NOAH Preservation Program in 2017. Since its inception, the program has preserved over 1,400 units through low-cost loans to developers and rental property owners for the acquisition or rehabilitation of NOAH rental properties. This case study reviews the program’s history and operations and its progress toward reducing displacement and improving the quality of existing housing stock.

Small housing in Spokane, WA

The city of Spokane, WA made to its building and zoning codes to enable the development of small housing in the city, including cottage housing, pocket residential developments, and tiny homes.

Transforming spaces: Examples of adaptive reuse from Windsor Locks, Connecticut; Buffalo, New York; and Alexandria, Virginia

Adaptive reuse involves repurposing existing buildings, such as schools, hotels, or offices, into residential spaces, contributing to the housing supply. A three-part case study series highlights how localities have implemented innovative policies and programs to facilitate such projects.