Thread by @mikejcw

I'm an urban planner. I'm concerned my profession is actively contributing to housing affordability crisis through policies that aren’t working, long processes & ideas to prevent “sprawl” that some ppl simply reject by moving vast distances for a single family home w a backyard.

Planners r implementing intensification targets to stop building lower-density. But what's actually happening? Families r moving vast distances from city centre for personal choice of home type they want at $ they can afford. Is planning actually contributing to quality of life?

How about #missingmiddle? Well it's “missing” precisely because of planning rules around zoning that are exclusionary. Zoning rules protect specific housing typologies in wealthier established 'hoods w specific objective of excluding other housing options that are more affordable

How about high density transit oriented dev? We've deliberately set up planning process where virtually every project requires rezoning or Official Plan Amendment that takes ~3 yrs & often ends up at appeals tribunal. For towers in exact locations we want them. Why do we do this?

Further planning issues that contribute to housing crisis:
- It is 2021 - why do we have minimum parking standards?
- Why does public consultation amplify the voices of privileged home owners at expense of those needing homes?
- Why does site plan application process take years?

Secondary suites have so many benefits as invisible density & adding more affordability in rental housing. Great for aging parents/grandparents.

Why aren't there more? In many cities they're illegal. Or are allowed, but w pile of rules & parking that may as well make 'em illegal