Innovative Resource from Ivory Innovations Aims to Revolutionize Housing Development in Cities
Ivory Innovations, an organization positioned at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business, has recently unveiled "The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions." This guide offers practical strategies for municipalities aiming to streamline housing development and address the ongoing housing crisis in an efficient manner.
The release, dated December 4, 2025, comes amid escalating housing demand and lengthy development processes that often lead to inflated costs and stalled projects. Recognizing these challenges, Ivory Innovations provides a framework that cities can implement immediately to reduce both time and expenses associated with housing projects.
The book outlines six key areas that significantly affect the pace and cost of housing development, featuring actionable steps that local governments can take. These areas include:
1. Streamlining Approval Processes: Cities are encouraged to adopt fast-track reviews and utilize permitting software to enhance efficiency. Third-party reviews can also eliminate bottlenecks.
2. Simplifying Design Standards: By establishing pre-approved architectural plans and relaxing unnecessary parking minimums, cities can expedite the design phase.
3. Building Infill on Existing Infrastructure: This involves maximizing current infrastructure to support new housing initiatives and incentivizing infill developments.
4. Planning for Smart Density: Updating zoning laws to accommodate diverse and denser housing types can make a considerable difference.
5. Partnering on Housing Solutions: Exploring innovative financing options and fostering public-private partnerships can unlock new avenues for housing development.
6. Employing New Construction Methods: The utilization of modular housing technologies can dramatically increase production rates and reduce costs.
The authors of the guide emphasize the importance of actionable implementation. Each section is crafted to resonate with city managers, mayors, and community development professionals eager to enact real change. Clarity and practicality shine through as every chapter is equipped with detailed case studies, municipal checklists, and straightforward implementation steps that municipalities can start piloting right away.
Among the cities highlighted in the case studies are Austin, South Bend, Portland, Sacramento, Minneapolis, and Columbus, each demonstrating how innovative approaches can effectively cut down on housing development times and costs. For instance, Austin has seen success by eliminating site plan review processes that previously added months to project timelines. Similarly, South Bend has launched a 'Sears Catalog' of pre-approved house plans, which expedites the approval process and eliminates discretionary reviews altogether.
The book underscores the adage that time equals money in housing development, presenting data suggesting that highly regulated areas can experience delays that are three times longer than their less regulated counterparts. This stark contrast highlights the need for cities to rethink and streamline their development processes, as the current complexity and lack of efficiency can deter potential housing projects.
In conclusion, "The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions" is available for free as a digital download, with hard copies purchasable through Ivory Innovations. By equipping municipalities with practical insights and proven strategies, Ivory Innovations is taking significant steps to alleviate the housing crisis while fostering innovative and sustainable development practices.
For further details and to access the resource, visit ivoryinnovations.org/thelittlebook.
The release, dated December 4, 2025, comes amid escalating housing demand and lengthy development processes that often lead to inflated costs and stalled projects. Recognizing these challenges, Ivory Innovations provides a framework that cities can implement immediately to reduce both time and expenses associated with housing projects.
The book outlines six key areas that significantly affect the pace and cost of housing development, featuring actionable steps that local governments can take. These areas include:
1. Streamlining Approval Processes: Cities are encouraged to adopt fast-track reviews and utilize permitting software to enhance efficiency. Third-party reviews can also eliminate bottlenecks.
2. Simplifying Design Standards: By establishing pre-approved architectural plans and relaxing unnecessary parking minimums, cities can expedite the design phase.
3. Building Infill on Existing Infrastructure: This involves maximizing current infrastructure to support new housing initiatives and incentivizing infill developments.
4. Planning for Smart Density: Updating zoning laws to accommodate diverse and denser housing types can make a considerable difference.
5. Partnering on Housing Solutions: Exploring innovative financing options and fostering public-private partnerships can unlock new avenues for housing development.
6. Employing New Construction Methods: The utilization of modular housing technologies can dramatically increase production rates and reduce costs.
The authors of the guide emphasize the importance of actionable implementation. Each section is crafted to resonate with city managers, mayors, and community development professionals eager to enact real change. Clarity and practicality shine through as every chapter is equipped with detailed case studies, municipal checklists, and straightforward implementation steps that municipalities can start piloting right away.
Among the cities highlighted in the case studies are Austin, South Bend, Portland, Sacramento, Minneapolis, and Columbus, each demonstrating how innovative approaches can effectively cut down on housing development times and costs. For instance, Austin has seen success by eliminating site plan review processes that previously added months to project timelines. Similarly, South Bend has launched a 'Sears Catalog' of pre-approved house plans, which expedites the approval process and eliminates discretionary reviews altogether.
The book underscores the adage that time equals money in housing development, presenting data suggesting that highly regulated areas can experience delays that are three times longer than their less regulated counterparts. This stark contrast highlights the need for cities to rethink and streamline their development processes, as the current complexity and lack of efficiency can deter potential housing projects.
In conclusion, "The Little Book of Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions" is available for free as a digital download, with hard copies purchasable through Ivory Innovations. By equipping municipalities with practical insights and proven strategies, Ivory Innovations is taking significant steps to alleviate the housing crisis while fostering innovative and sustainable development practices.
For further details and to access the resource, visit ivoryinnovations.org/thelittlebook.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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