Addressing the Housing Crisis: Lessons from Minneapolis
The housing crisis impacts us all, but figuring out how to fix it often feels like a tug-of-war. Some say the answer is simple: build more housing to meet demand. Others worry that new, high-cost developments could make things worse. So, how do we move forward when there’s no consensus on the underlying economics?
Heather Worthington, principal at Urban 3 and former Director of Long-Range Planning in Minneapolis, offers a fresh perspective, grounded in her work on the transformative Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan which stimulated significant affordable housing development and has helped keep rents at some of the lowest rates in the country. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Homelessness is a Housing Problem
Gregg Colburn, associate professor at the University of Washington and co-author of the books Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns and Affordable Housing in the United States, will discuss conventional beliefs about what drives homelessness—including mental illness, drug use, poverty, weather, generosity of public assistance, and low-income mobility—and why none of those fully explain the root cause: housing market conditions. Colburn will outline the types of policies that can best help cities like Albuquerque address this issue. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Urbanism and Entrepreneurship: The Role of Small Business in Neighborhood Revitalization
Eric Williams, founder and creative director of The Silver Room—an innovative hub for retail, arts, education, and community events—will share his inspiring work revitalizing Chicago’s South and West Side neighborhoods. By harnessing the transformative power of culture and commerce, Eric has played a key role in driving economic growth and fostering vibrant neighborhoods. As Albuquerque pursues efforts to rejuvenate downtown and other commercial areas, Williams’ insights into development and entrepreneurship will highlight strategies for creating lasting community impact. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Getting Government Working: Success Stories of Public/Private Partnerships to Address the Housing Shortage
Local government plays a critical role in shaping the quality of life for its residents, by delivering everything from lifeline goods and services, to schools and public safety, to safe and affordable housing. George W. “Mac” McCarthy, President and CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, will discuss innovative local efforts where local governments stepped up to help preserve and produce affordable housing. Drawing from his extensive experience working across the nation, McCarthy will share stories that demonstrate how governments have addressed systemic inefficiencies that stall housing development and preservation through new public-private-civic coalitions that produce real results. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Designing Our City for People Not Cars
Jeff Speck is a city planner and author who advocates internationally for more walkable cities. His 2012 book Walkable City was the best-selling city planning title of the past decade. He is also the principal author of The Smart Growth Manual and Walkable City Rules, and co-author of Suburban Nation. In this session, Speck will discuss ways car-centric cities like Santa Fe can become more walkable, bikeable, and connected. He will share why urban sprawl is so problematic and key changes that could make our city more pedestrian friendly, sharing replicable successes from across the country and globe. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Visualizing Density: Designing Santa Fe's Future
Urban designer, editor, and author Julie Campoli will discuss the impact of density on affordable housing, sustainability, and connectivity. Using real examples from Santa Fe and across the country, Campoli will outline how neighborhoods of similar density can either be loved or hated depending on their design. She will offer key insights and suggestions for building the neighborhoods that will serve Santa Fe best in the future. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Creating and Recreating Santa Fe: Making Room for Innovation Within Tradition
Chris Wilson, the J. B. Jackson Chair of Cultural Landscape Studies, Emeritus, and founding director of the Historic Preservation and Regionalism Program at the University of New Mexico, will discuss how Santa Fe developed its unique regional identity and trademark architectural style, and the benefits and consequences. He will share his perspectives on how Santa Fe can preserve its history and culture amidst continued growth, while also drawing inspiration from the rich repertory of high quality, multifamily house types across the U.S. Sunbelt before World War II, most famously, the example of courtyard apartments. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Why is Affordable Housing in Such Short Supply?: The Role of Neighborhood Defenders
Katherine Levine Einstein, Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston University and Associate Director at the Initiative on Cities, will discuss how cities derive neighborhood input on new housing projects and how that currently shapes the way our cities grow (or don't). She will share why neighborhood defenders--motivated residents who most often participate in local housing politics--can often contribute to higher housing costs, and the types of reforms that could lead to more representative participation. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Homelessness is a Housing Problem
Gregg Colburn, associate professor at the University of Washington and co-author of the book Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns, will discuss conventional beliefs about what drives homelessness—including mental illness, drug use, poverty, weather, generosity of public assistance, and low-income mobility—and why none of those fully explain the root cause: housing market conditions. Colburn will outline the types of policies that can best help cities like Santa Fe address this issue. Reception to immediately follow lecture.
Planning for Santa Fe’s Future: How to Make Land Use Policies Work for All
Jerusalem Demsas, staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in housing and the economy, will discuss the reasons housing prices keep rising and the ways cities like Santa Fe can strengthen planning and zoning regulations to increase affordability and build community.