Neil Heller & Jim Kumon
Neighborhood Project

A hands-on workshop to understand local housing development

Gain practical insights into how local policies shape housing projects in this interactive workshop designed to demystify the housing development process. Participants, including public officials, community leaders, and interested community members, will collaborate to navigate the complexities involved in bringing new housing or mixed-use developments to life.

What to expect:
In small teams, participants will tackle a realistic community infill site scenario to:

• Interpret zoning laws and local housing policies
• Create a practical development proposal aligned with community needs
• Develop a basic financial feasibility model to understand project viability

Facilitators will highlight how local policies, regulations, fees, and community decisions influence housing availability, affordability, and development feasibility. The workshop emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and an understanding of the trade-offs developers face.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how zoning and housing policies directly impact local housing availability
• Understand the relationships between project costs, rental/sales pricing, and financing
• Identify ways community and public decisions can actively support housing development

This workshop provides valuable insights for anyone interested in fostering a better understanding of local housing dynamics and supporting more informed, collaborative housing decisions.