FW: Like PB&J: Middle housing & parking reform

[Annette Mills]

I’ve found there are a lot of misunderstandings about the reasons behind elimination of parking mandates. If you find yourself conversing with people who are resistant to the idea, it might be helpful to reference some of the information presented in the article below.

 

From: Sightline Institute [mailto:Edi...@sightline.org]
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2024 10:00 AM
To: ami...@willamettewatershed.com
Subject: Like PB&J: Middle housing & parking reform

 

View this email in your browser   This week's original research and news picks from Sightline Institute.       Unlock middle housing with parking reform   Parking mandates—i.e., requirements that every new home or business have a pre-determined number of parking spaces—thwart small-scale homebuilding projects the most, because they have neither the space nor spare funds for unnecessary parking. Sightline senior researcher Catie Gould explains how if leaders really want to legalize middle housing types like backyard cottages and triplexes, parking mandates have to go. Read more   Related: With flexibility over parking, Oregon homebuilders get to work | Tens of thousands of homes are now more buildable, including several projects that local parking mandates had previously killed. How parking ratios kill homes | A string of mistakes in one city shows how easily local rules can turn arbitrary and destructive. Inside Minnesota's People Over Parking Act, with Chris Meyer | Making the case for statewide elimination of parking mandates.       Cleaner heating and cooling options ahead for WA with thermal energy networks   House Bill 2131, to allow thermal energy networks, unanimously passed in Washington's 2024 legislative session. It’s a win for consumers, the climate, pipeline workers, and electric grids. Sightline fellow Laura Feinstein explains.   Read more   Related: It's time to stop subsidizing new gas pipes | Regulators across Cascadia should end line extension allowances, the subsidies ratepayers finance that expand utilities’ pipeline infrastructure. Without gas, what business models could gas utilities pursue? | Several examples exist, and Cascadian policymakers can encourage shifts while setting guardrails to protect customers. Is there a future for gas utilities? It could be heating and cooling your home (from the ground) | "GeoNetworks" are being piloted in New York and Massachusetts. Cascadia should be next.       Event: Sightline debriefs the Washington state 2024 legislative session   Even in a short session this year in Olympia, a lot happened! Join Sightline Senior Director of Strategy Anna Fahey, in conversation with Communications Director Serena Larkin, on Wednesday, March 27, to learn the highlights.   Learn more, and register     The week's top sustainability headlines for Cascadia Micro-apartments are back after nearly a century — Associated Press     Could climate cafes help with eco-anxiety? — New York Times OR begins rewriting landmark climate program — Investigate West     5 reasons to end highway expansion — Strong Towns The Olympia oyster is making a comeback — Salish Current     The thriving business of rewilding — The Tyee Note: Many of the stories we select come from news outlets that require a subscription. Please consider supporting your local and/or favorite publications for full access to their stories. Sightline's own original articles are free to access at all times, thanks to generous donors who support our work.     Brought to you by Sightline Institute · 1402 3rd Ave Ste 500 · Seattle, WA 98101-2130 · USA. Sightline is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, working to build a sustainable Northwest—a place with strong communities, a green economy, and a healthy environment. Sightline Institute is non-partisan and does not oppose, support, or endorse any political candidate or party. Add edi...@sightline.org to your address book to ensure our emails reach you. Want to change how you receive these emails? Click here to Update your newsletter choices and preferences Or permanently Unsubscribe from ALL Sightline newsletters