Digest

This episode of Planet Money delves into the complexities of building new housing in Minneapolis, a city grappling with a significant housing shortage. The episode introduces the concept of "Missing Middle" housing, which refers to small to mid-size apartment buildings often overlooked in development. These buildings are crucial for addressing affordability and providing more efficient housing options than single-family homes or large apartment complexes. The episode follows Cody Fisher, a real estate developer passionate about building energy-efficient, carbon-smart housing, as he navigates the challenges of constructing "Missing Middle" housing in Minneapolis. The city's 2040 plan, which aims to eliminate single-family zoning and promote denser housing, is a key factor in this effort. However, the plan faces opposition from NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) who fear the impact of new development on their neighborhoods. The episode highlights the conflict between YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyard), who advocate for increased housing density, and NIMBYs, who often oppose new development. The episode showcases a new four-story apartment building in Minneapolis, a prime example of the "Missing Middle" housing the city is trying to encourage. However, this building faced significant opposition from neighbors concerned about its impact on their neighborhood. The episode explores the limitations of local government in addressing the housing crisis, highlighting the need for a more regional approach. The episode also examines the generational divide in environmentalism, with older generations often viewing development as harmful to the environment, while younger generations prioritize climate change mitigation through denser housing. The episode concludes with Cody Fisher's renewed efforts to build his apartment building, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and the need for continued progress in addressing the housing shortage. The episode highlights the importance of state intervention in limiting legal challenges to the city's housing plan, emphasizing the need for a more regional approach to addressing the housing crisis.

Outlines

00:00:00

Building New Housing in Minneapolis

This episode explores the challenges of building new housing in Minneapolis, a city with ambitious plans to address its housing shortage. The episode introduces the concept of "Missing Middle" housing, which refers to small to mid-size apartment buildings that are often overlooked in housing development.

00:03:53

The "Missing Middle" Housing Debate

The episode delves into the "Missing Middle" housing concept, highlighting its importance in addressing housing shortages and providing more affordable options than single-family homes. The episode also discusses the challenges of building this type of housing, including opposition from NIMBYs and the need for more regional solutions.

00:08:05

YIMBYs vs. NIMBYs: The Housing Development Conflict

The episode explores the clash between YIMBYs (Yes In My Backyard) and NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) in the context of housing development. The episode highlights the challenges of balancing local residents' concerns with the need for more housing, and the role of local and state governments in addressing the housing crisis.

00:15:48

Environmental Concerns and the Future of Housing

The episode examines the environmental challenges and concerns surrounding housing development, highlighting the generational divide in environmentalism and the need for a more sustainable approach to housing. The episode also discusses the role of state intervention in addressing the housing crisis and the need for a more regional approach.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is "Missing Middle" housing and why is it important?

  "Missing Middle" housing refers to small to mid-size apartment buildings that are often overlooked in development. These types of housing are crucial for addressing housing shortages because they provide more affordable options than single-family homes and are more efficient than large apartment buildings.

• How does the Minneapolis 2040 plan aim to address the city's housing shortage?

  The Minneapolis 2040 plan aims to address the city's housing shortage by eliminating single-family zoning, promoting denser housing, and streamlining development approvals. The plan also includes policies to address racial justice and climate change.

• What are the challenges of balancing local residents' concerns with the need for more housing?

  Balancing local residents' concerns with the need for more housing is a complex issue. Local residents often oppose new development due to concerns about traffic, noise, and property values. However, the need for more housing is a regional issue that affects everyone, not just those living in the immediate vicinity of new development.

• How does the generational divide in environmentalism affect housing development?

  Older generations often view development as harmful to the environment, while younger generations prioritize climate change mitigation through denser housing. This generational divide can create conflict over housing development, as older generations may oppose new development while younger generations see it as a way to address climate change.

• What role can state governments play in addressing the housing crisis?

  State governments can play a significant role in addressing the housing crisis by setting broader policies and regulations that encourage more housing development. State governments can also provide funding and resources to support local governments in their efforts to address housing shortages.

Show Notes