Unlike large-scale developments led by major corporations, incremental housing allows local builders and homeowners to develop small projects over time - like adding accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and triplexes. These kinds of "missing middle" housing fills the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments, creating walkable, mixed-income neighborhoods that evolve naturally over time. This approach creates more competition in the housing market, lowers costs, and allows neighborhoods to grow gradually in ways that fit their communities. Encouraging small-scale builders to enter the market prevents monopolization by large developers and makes housing more adaptable to local needs.

Example: Portland’s Residential Infill Project successfully reformed zoning laws to allow more diverse housing types, increasing supply without disrupting neighborhood character.

Impact:

• Increases housing supply while preserving neighborhood character
• Encourages competition, lowering prices and reducing reliance on large developers
• Creates walkable, human-scaled communities

Sources:

• "Portland’s Housing Policies Are Delivering—Will Other Cities Catch Up?" Strong Towns
• "Missing middle housing" Wikipedia

Many California cities have restrictive zoning laws that limit development to single-family homes or large apartment buildings, leaving little room for diverse, affordable housing options. Reforming these outdated zoning laws allows communities to grow in a way that meets housing demand without forcing large-scale, high-rise developments. Local governments should have greater flexibility to implement zoning changes that support affordability, sustainability, and mixed-use, walkable communities.

Example: Minneapolis 2040 eliminated single-family zoning, leading to an increase in multi-unit housing and a slowdown in rent hikes.

Impact:

• Increases housing supply to meet demand
• Supports sustainable, transit-friendly communities
• Gives local governments more control over housing solutions

Sources:

• "Minneapolis Land Use Reforms Offer a Blueprint for Housing Affordability" The Pew Charitable Trusts
• "Zoning - Core Insights" Strong Towns

Excessive permitting requirements and long approval processes slow down housing development, drive up costs, and limits competition to large developers. In California, construction permits can take months, often years. Streamlining the permitting process can accelerate construction while maintaining necessary oversight, and can be approached in a variety of ways, including implementing digital approvals, pre-approved building plans, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and setting firm deadlines. This allows smaller developers to enter the market, increasing competition and reducing housing prices.

Example: SB35, a California bill that fast-tracked housing projects in certain areas, demonstrated the benefits of streamlined approvals but also highlighted the need for clearer implementation guidelines and support for local governments.

Impact:

• Speeds up the construction of much-needed housing
• Lowers costs by reducing delays and uncertainty
• Encourages small and mid-sized developers to build more housing

Sources:

• "Expedited permitting and review policies encourage affordable development" National Housing Conference
• "Streamlined permitting processes" Local Housing Solutions
• "Reforms Spur Faster Housing Approvals in California " The Pew Charitable Trusts

Community Land Trusts (CLTs) provide a sustainable solution to the housing crisis by ensuring long-term affordability and local control. A CLT acquires land and holds it in trust for the community while allowing individuals to purchase homes on that land at affordable prices. This model keeps housing costs stable, prevents displacement, and enables working families to build generational wealth. CLTs also help reduce racial inequities by offering historically marginalized communities a pathway to homeownership and economic stability.

Examples: Oakland Community Land Trust (Oakland, CA); Upward Community (Temecula, CA); Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (Boston, MA); Champlain Housing Trust (Burlington, VT); Atlanta Land Trust (Atlanta, GA)

Impact:

• Ensures housing remains affordable for future generations
• Provides homeownership opportunities to low- and middle-income families
• Helps close racial wealth gaps and stabilize communities

Sources:

• "A Look at Community Land Trusts and How They Combat the Affordable Housing Crisis" TIME
• "Community Land Trusts as Stewards of Public Land: A Guide for Local Governments in California" UC Berkeley
• "Community Land Trusts turn nimbys into yimbys" The Times