Imagine Austin Series Looks at Prospects for Equitable Development Amid Rapid Growth

Austin’s current standing of intense population and income growth combined with state laws that limit inclusionary zoning presents a formidable challenge to the implementation of equitable housing policies. Despite this, national land use experts insist there are still ways for the city to nourish its growth progress.

Insights from a National Land Use Leader

Cornell University law professor and land use expert, Sara Bronin, shared her insights on the issue during an Imagine Austin Speaker Series talk focused on equitable and sustainable zoning. According to Bronin, Austin’s current moves to increase residential property density and eliminate parking minimums are essential steps to cater to the increasing demand for housing.

Born and raised in Houston and a graduate of the University of Texas, Bronin possesses a deep understanding of Austin’s urban development landscape. She actively contributed to a comprehensive overhaul of Hartford, Connecticut’s building code, a feat that only approximately two dozen cities across the nation have achieved.

Process Simplification for Development

Contrasted with Hartford’s total overhaul, Austin’s adopted piecemeal approach towards its building code might require more work and time, remarks Bronin. She encourages implementing policies that reduce the number of public hearings required for multi-family residential projects, as such hearings entail longer development timelines, subsequently increasing building costs. These costs are inevitably transferred to homeowners or renters, escalating the overall cost of living.

Support for Equitable Transit-Oriented Developments (ETODs)

Looking towards the future, Bronin’s recommendation for Austin is to steadily transfer its focus towards equitable transit-oriented developments (ETODs). These are housing developments built close to transit corridors for easy accessibility. She suggests streamlining the approval process to facilitate efficient planning and construction. She cautions that overly complicating transit-oriented development can hinder prospective projects, leading to stunted urban development.

“The city should get rid of as many approval steps as possible,” said Bronin. “Eliminating public hearings, lot size minimums, parking requirements, and any other obstacles to make development easier, will ultimately result in a more developed city.”

Challenges in Local Zoning Changes

Bronin pointed out that while state and federal officials have relative ease in enacting large-scale laws concerning land use, local zoning changes often face contentious debate due to the ability of neighbors and neighborhood communities to quickly unify against proposed changes.

Experienced in urban development strategies, Bronin suggests that grassroots activism and leadership outside of the existing governing bodies can play a pivotal role in harnessing community support for desired land use policies.

A successful transition to implementing progressive land use strategies requires a dedicated leader, according to Bronin, who expresses that such a champion would need the commitment to carry forth policy changes against any obstacles.

“They just have to take the decision to do it, come hell or high water. They must be committed to succeed.” Bronin stated.

The days ahead for Austin’s development landscape brim with potential. Endorsing equitable and progressive urban development models, in alignment with its rapid growth, demonstrates Austin’s commitment to becoming a model city for others to follow.