Paper should be:
5 to 6 pages
11 point font
Double Spaced
1 inch margins
Provide a clear and concise introduction to the city and policy/initiative researched
A body that critiques the purpose, success, and challenges of the policy/initiative. A comparison/contrast with other cities and their existing or lack of policy/initiatives to address similar challenges
A clear and concise conclusion summarizing your research and analysis.
Over the course of the semester we will discuss a variety of programs and initiatives by cities all across the United States that work to improve and enhance equity, sustainability, and resiliency. There are also a number of cities that take an alternative approach, choosing to not address or take steps to improve those conditions. You will be provided a list of cities and initiatives from around the country, and asked to write a research paper 7 pages in length.
Choose a sustainability program/initiative/organization from any city in the country. This can include environmental sustainability (green building, green streets, etc.) economic (programs intended to assist low-income communities or create opportunities for disenfranchised communities to support businesses or other economic opportunities), or social (addressing race, class, public health etc.)
Describe the program and what it seeks to improve or change? Critique whether it has been successful or would be successful if the program is new. Describe any changes that have occurred as a result (ex. more affordable housing units have been built, more minority owned businesses have started, improvement to natural resources such as air and water, improved access to parks). Have there been unintended consequences? (ex. affordable housing was built, but not in a location where it is beneficial, green building requirements have made the cost of construction too much, inclusionary housing policies were too aggressive and no housing has been built as a result). Unintended consequences can also be ones that maybe you see as potentially happening if the program is new.
Would you make any changes to their program? Are there ways that it could have been more successful or to maybe mitigate other negative consequences? Are there ways that you could change the program to be more encompassing (could an economic policy have also addressed environmental challenges)?
I am dropping the comparison aspect to other cities. Just focus on the program you find, but you are welcome to compare it to other locations if you would like to.
Examples of programs, initiatives, organizations
-Forterra – Seattle, WA
-SMART Housing Program – Austin, TX
-Revenue Sharing – Minneapolis, MN
-Community Improvement Districts (try to avoid business improvement districts)
-Affordable housing strategies (State bills to encourage more affordable housing, local inclusionary zoning requirements, rent control, rental subsidies) – Many cities including Los Angeles, Glendale, San Francisco, New York, Seattle
-Land banking organizations
-Natural habitat protection – Coastal regions or specific parks
-Green building requirements (LEED, local requirements) – Many cities
-Park Equity – New York City, Atlanta
-Urban Growth Boundary – Portland, OR
-Creating downtown for families – Vancouver and Toronto
Project Inspiration sites:
https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/framework-for-an-equitable-futureLinks to an external site.
https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/growing-up-planning-for-children-in-new-vertical-communities/Links to an external site.
https://www.seattle.gov/housing/housing-developers/incentive-zoningLinks to an external site.
https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/rent-adjustment-programLinks to an external site.
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ddc/about/active-design.pageLinks to an external site
It will be important to pay attention to the lectures and readings throughout the semester as you learn more about cities and policies/initiatives that will be options to select for the final paper. It will be important to ask questions about those cities and to learn more in advance of your final paper (i.e. “Why is Houston the only major city in the country without zoning,” “What is Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary,” “What are the impacts of Glendale’s inclusionary zoning policy.”). Will be allowed to select a city and policy/initiative of their own choosing
Paper should be:
5 to 6 pages
11 point font
Double Spaced
1 inch margins
Provide a clear and concise introduction to the city and policy/initiative researched
A body that critiques the purpose, success, and challenges of the policy/initiative. A comparison/contrast with other cities and their existing or lack of policy/initiatives to address similar challenges
A clear and concise conclusion summarizing your research and analysis.
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