Housing Policy Case Studies Archive - Local Housing Solutions

Affordable manufactured and modular housing strategies from Norwood, CO; Minneapolis, MN; and Halifax, MA

Across the country, cities, towns, and counties are seeking new ways to address shortages in housing supply and rising housing costs. To address their housing needs, some localities are encouraging the use of manufactured and modular housing — two methods of off-site construction that allow homes to be built faster and often at a more affordable price point.

Big Sky, Montana, a popular tourist destination in the winter months

Balancing tourism and housing: Innovative approaches in Provincetown, MA; Big Sky, MT; Moab, UT; and Frisco, CO

Tourist destinations like Provincetown, MA; Big Sky, MT; Moab, UT; and Frisco, CO, face significant housing challenges due to high demand for short-term rentals, second homes, and seasonal worker accommodations. Rising housing costs and limited availability make it difficult for local workers to find affordable housing. To address these issues, each locality has implemented unique strategies, such as short-term rental regulations, deed restrictions, impact fees, and housing trust initiatives. These policies aim to balance the needs of the tourism industry with affordable housing options for local residents and essential workers.

Boulder County Regional Housing Partnership

The Boulder County Regional Housing Partnership spearheaded the development of a new regional housing plan that aims to triple the amount of affordable housing in the region over the next fifteen years.

Featured image shows townhomes, a type of missing middle housing.

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.

Minneapolis 2040 Plan

Minneapolis was the first large American city to eliminate single-family zoning.

Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Home Preservation Loan Program

Philadelphia RRR program offers low-interest home repair loans to local homeowners who may be excluded from traditional mortgage markets because of racial bias or credit history.

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.

Spurring housing development with form-based codes in Chapel Hill, NC

The city of Chapel Hill, NC implemented a form-based code to regulate land development in one area of the town known as the Blue Hill District.

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.

Housing Policy Case Studies

Affordable manufactured and modular housing strategies from Norwood, CO; Minneapolis, MN; and Halifax, MA

Balancing tourism and housing: Innovative approaches in Provincetown, MA; Big Sky, MT; Moab, UT; and Frisco, CO

Boulder County Regional Housing Partnership

Local policies that support missing middle housing and accessory dwelling units

Minneapolis 2040 Plan

Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Home Preservation Loan Program

Small housing in Spokane, WA

Spurring housing development with form-based codes in Chapel Hill, NC

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

Local Housing Solutions

Stay Informed

Sign up for LHS newsletter and register for a free My Account which allows you to save LHS resources and Housing Strategy Review Results: