Ethnic Diversity and Residential Development

We sometimes become numb to the words and concepts we hear and read about, especially when they are presented at a macro level… The #racialwealthgap is one example. Data is often presented on a national scale, making the narrative striking, yet distant. However, it's when we delve into data at the meso- and micro-levels that we begin to connect with the issue on a deeper, more personal level. The Urban Institute's recent body of research examines the representation of people of color and women in the housing development market across U.S. cities. Explore the research here: https://lnkd.in/dvDqh6c2 These data-rich, quantitative market snapshot reports bring the racial wealth gap into focus from both an industry and market perspective. When paired with generative discussions among emerging developers of color—who are navigating challenges and seizing opportunities at the micro-market level—we reignite the imperative of addressing and repairing the racial wealth and opportunity gaps entrenched in our legacy systems. Every day across the country, emerging leaders and developers of color forge ahead, navigating these legacy systems… Leaders such as Ray Nix of Nix Development Company from Prince George's County, Maryland; Jennifer Horne of Urban Campus and Core from Nashville, Tennessee; Ayesha Hudson of A-Peace from Washington, D.C.; and Leslie Byrd of Alpha Sharp Development Partners from Tacoma, Washington. These are just a handful of the leaders who are charting new courses on the front lines, working daily to close the opportunity gaps. Let’s make sure we listen to their stories, reflect on the data of their journeys, and support their continued growth! Gratitude to the key supporters and collaborators behind this body of work: Brett Theodos, KellyAnn Kirkpatrick, Senthil Sankaran, Leslie Byrd, Lori Chatman, Jennifer Horne, Kenya K. Merritt, Ray Nix, Ayesha Hudson, Jorge González Hermoso, Noah McDaniel.

🏡 Addressing Indigenous Housing Priorities Indigenous communities face unique housing challenges that require thoughtful, culturally aligned solutions. Through meaningful workshops and discussions, several key priorities have emerged to guide the design and development of housing: 💰 Affordability - Ensuring access to both private and socially assisted housing is critical to meet diverse community needs 🏠 Availability- Long waitlists reflect the need for more housing to support members returning to their communities 🌧️ Durability: - Homes must be designed to withstand local climates and constructed with high-quality materials to prevent common issues like structural damage and mold ♿ Accessibility - Elder-friendly designs are essential, with features like ground-floor access, wide doors, and wheelchair accommodations 🛑 Mold Prevention - Improved ventilation, better building practices, and moisture control are critical to protecting health and preserving homes 👷♀️ Capacity Building - Community-led housing initiatives provide employment and training opportunities, fostering local expertise ⚡ Energy Efficiency - Sustainable energy solutions and reduced utility costs can make housing more livable and affordable 🤝 Flexible Spaces - Homes should accommodate large gatherings and traditional practices, with adaptable designs to meet evolving needs 🎨 Cultural Design - Incorporating local heritage through carvings, symbols, and traditional elements fosters a sense of identity and belonging 🍖 Food Preparation Spaces - Traditional food practices require dedicated areas for preparation, storage, and preservation 🌲 Outdoor Living - Thoughtful designs for roofs, overhangs, and outdoor spaces ensure safety and functionality while supporting traditional activities like hunting and fishing These priorities underscore the importance of housing that reflects the cultural, social, and environmental needs of Indigenous communities. By aligning housing strategies with these values, we can create spaces that not only provide shelter but also honor traditions and support community well-being. More in "A participatory process for the design of housing for a First Nations Community" by T. MacTavish et al (exploring housing design in Kitimat) What are your thoughts on incorporating cultural values into housing design? #IndigenousHousing #CommunityDevelopment #CulturallyAlignedDesign #SustainableLiving

When Indigenous Nations lead the way, everyone benefits. Too often, conversations about Indigenous housing focus only on deficits. But what happens when Nations are treated as full partners in construction and development projects? Here’s what success can look like: 🔹 Fort McKay First Nation (AB) Owns a construction and services company generating $500M+ annually, employing 1,000+ workers, and reinvesting profits into housing and infrastructure. 🔹 Tsawwassen First Nation (BC) Partnered in the creation of a 2,000+ home residential community. Retaining land control, equity ownership, and ongoing lease revenue. 🔹 Kwanlin Dün First Nation (Yukon) Developed housing and family services hubs that deliver long-term value through training, employment, and early childhood education. 🔹 Wikwemikong & OAHS (ON) Delivered affordable, culturally relevant housing using modular builds and local labour, backed by CMHC and provincial support. 🔹 Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (ON) Negotiated IBAs that include funding for housing upgrades, trades training, and local job creation. Tying housing directly to economic development. These aren’t just housing projects, they’re nation-building strategies. When we treat Indigenous communities as economic drivers, not just recipients of aid, we unlock: • Job creation • Local business growth • Skills training • Long-term revenue • Community pride and capacity We don’t need more reports. We need more respectful partnerships that recognize the value of Indigenous leadership in housing and infrastructure development. #IndigenousBusiness #EconomicReconciliation #CommunityLedDevelopment #HousingSolutions #Construction #IndigenousPartnerships #Infrastructure #CapacityBuilding #IndigenousSuccess #ReconciliationInAction

In 2021, Boston began requiring real estate developers to consider how their projects could hurt residents historically discriminated against in housing and take steps to reduce those impacts. In creating its zoning ordinance, Boston relied on an underused mandate in the 1968 Fair Housing Act — one that the Obama administration put teeth into for the first time in decades. “Without the Obama rule, we would have been left with the same flowery language that had been dormant for 50 years,” said Massachusetts State Senator Lydia Edwards, then a Boston city councilor. “The point of rules attached to federal funding is to push cities and towns to do more and to prevent them from slipping back to old patterns.” But the Trump administration is now stepping back from that mandate. The mandate, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), requires states, cities and public housing agencies that receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to actively tackle housing discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities. It was enacted after a long history of discriminatory federal housing policies discriminating, such as denying mortgage insurance to Black homebuyers in White neighborhoods, known as redlining. The Trump administration’s new AFFH rule requires jurisdictions only to certify that they took any action at all to promote fair housing. Instead of requiring localities to analyze barriers to equal housing choices or develop specific plans to remedy them, HUD will require a “general commitment” to take active steps to promote fair housing. The Trump’s administration’s retreat — coupled with its funding cuts to nonprofit groups that enforce rules to prevent housing discrimination — will make it harder to build affordable housing and promote equal housing opportunities, researchers and advocates warn. And it couldn’t come at a worse time, these experts say. Housing discrimination complaints are on the rise, and the United States is in the throes of the worst housing shortage in decades, disproportionately hurting people of color, seniors and people with disabilities. “The federal government is stating ‘we are not making integration a priority,’” said Brandon Weiss, a law professor at American University who specializes in housing. “There’s also a practical impact. Jurisdictions will not be given the support or planning they need to eliminate residential racial segregation.” A spokesperson for HUD told CNN that the agency will “continue to fight discrimination tooth and nail.” HUD will develop “new and more effective strategies to provide low-cost housing to all Americans, but it will not exceed its authority and experiment with the American people’s homes and neighborhoods.” https://lnkd.in/eZwSJArT

We can’t fix problems the community isn’t aware of so here’s one to share:   A recent study by the Urban Institute, found that diverse- and women-led firms are underrepresented in developing multifamily housing in cities across the U.S. For example, in my hometown of Seattle, only about 1 in 6 multifamily developers are led by women and 1 in 5 are led by people of color.    This research demonstrates the need to support diverse-led developers to create more economic equity -- both for them and their future residents. One example is the Housing Equity Accelerator program offered by LISC Puget Sound (funded by Amazon). This 18-month free training program helps developers from under-represented populations enter the development industry. Even so, I know there’s more to be done, and this research makes that clear.    Read more: https://lnkd.in/dnsiDrKh