U R B A N P L A N N I N G
On December 7th, 2018 Minneapolis’ city council voted 12-1 to radically change the future of it’s urban planning. It passed the Minneapolis 2040 Plan. The plan is centered around up-zoning, which promotes changing post WWII zoning code for cities and urban areas to allow for more units by right. The Minneapolis 2040 Plan changed zoning code allowing duplexes and triplexes to be built on lots previously zoned one for single-family homes. As housing costs rise nationwide, many cities are prioritizing accommodating future development through up-zoning. Like Minneapolis, Los Angeles has its own version of this plan. It’s only difference is it’s focused around “transit oriented communities.” Pursuant to Measure JJJ, transit oriented communities (TOC) provide developers density bonuses to build sustainable housing within a half-mile radius of a major transit stop. Mayor Garcetti believes this up-zoning “TOC program will help us build sustainable, inclusive housing along [LA’s] growing [transit] network – so more Angelenos can wake up in safe and affordable homes, catch a train nearby, and get where they’re going on time.” This new up-zoning strategy has seen push back from “Not in My Backyard” groups. Nimbyism, as it’s commonly referred to, has been a main deterrent with neighborhood city councils and private landowners pushing back on future development. In contrast, Minneapolis had a group that was created called Neighbors for More Neighbors, a YIMBY group who advocated for Minneapolis 2040. “This process showed that we have a planning commission, council, and mayor who are interested in seeing this progressive plan for the city’s future.”
The first photo is of the Martin Expo Town Center, which is a development located in West Los Angeles on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive, one block away from the Bundy Station for the Expo Line. The up-zoning that implemented TOC bonuses will bring 516 apartments, and grocery store, and a 10 story office tower. The second photo are some signs posted by More Neighbors advocates in Minneapolis.
