Lavallee Brensinger Architects’ Post

A recent report from the independent Little Hoover Commission, highlighted in Archinect, identifies the 54-year-old California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as the greatest barrier to meeting the demand for 2.5 million new housing units statewide by 2030. While Los Angeles has made strides under the leadership of Mayor Karen Bass, with a mandate to build 500,000 new homes by 2029, significant hurdles remain. Balancing the need for environmental protection with the urgency of the housing crisis is crucial. The current lengthy and complex review processes often delay projects and increase costs, impacting our ability to deliver affordable housing where it's needed most. To streamline the environmental review process without compromising our commitment to sustainability, we need to adopt innovative approaches, leverage technology, and foster collaboration between regulators, developers, and communities. By doing so, we can support both environmental stewardship and affordable housing development. Read more on the report here https://bit.ly/45zk2aS and let's chat about it in the comments! #AffordableHousing #SustainableDevelopment #CaliforniaHousingCrisis #StudioPi2

I was so excited to write this article with my incredible colleagues Rick Manthe and Derek Punches because we need resilient communities, not just resilient buildings, if we want our people and our businesses to survive and thrive even in the face of a changing climate. #climatechange #climateaction #builtenvironment #resiliency #sustainability #communities #localgovernment #municipalities

Star Tribune covering how a 6-year NIMBY lawsuit aimed at thwarting the City of Minneapolis' nationally heralded comprehensive plan is jeopardizing our community's ability to meet the challenges of our housing and climate crises. The City's comp plan (Minneapolis 2040) paved the way for local small scale developers to invest in their community, expand housing access and make the City more walkable, transit-oriented and climate-resilient. That progress is now on hold. Minnesota state lawmakers serious about our climate and housing challenges (and preserving local governments' ability to plan and adapt to climate change), must take action this session and clarify the Minnesota Environmental Review Act to put an end to the misuse of an essential state environmental law. Rest assured, Footprint Development and our investors are ready to build a more climate-resilient, housing-abundant future as soon as the courts or our state law-makers let us!

At the recent CLE International conference I co-chaired on California land use law, a recurring theme that emerged was the value of flexibility. Over the past five years, we've witnessed rapid and repeated shifts in economic conditions, a trend that appears likely to persist. Projects that once seemed viable may no longer be, while new projects that were previously unconsidered might now make economic sense. Given this dynamic landscape, development projects of many types can benefit from incorporating flexibility in uses and project details into approved entitlements. While this approach requires more upfront planning, it can prove highly valuable later on. Likewise, city and county officials seeking to foster development in their communities can do so by amending zoning codes and changing approval processes to enable greater flexibility. A special thank you to my co-chair, Veronica R., for her collaboration in assembling speakers who thoughtfully explored this theme.

The latest PAS Report from APA conveys my work in Environmental Justice and it's incorporation into zoning reform. The link to access the full report is below! I appreciate the opportunity from APA to share my work, and hope this is useful to others working on these issues.

DO Not Miss this MERLIN Academy Webinar Monday -- EcoAdvance will share what makes a difference in advancing freshwater restoration in Europe. Join us to hear our preliminary results and next steps for the project -- pick up some useful tips on how to make restoration projects prone to success...particulalry as implementation planning moves into full throttle for the Nature Restoration Law. 3pmCET.

The recent recommendations in PA for the 2021 IECC could have huge impacts for our region, especially as we try to further decarbonize our buildings. #energycodes

Exploring the possibilities for your land can be exciting, but navigating the maze of development regulations can be daunting. That's where Rossway Swan steps in. Our expertise in Land Use Law helps you unlock the full potential of your property, ensuring compliance with all local development regulations. We're here to turn your vision into a reality, legally and seamlessly. Whether you're planning to build, remodel, or develop your land, understanding these regulations is key to a successful project. Our team at Rossway Swan provides clear, straightforward advice, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way. From zoning laws to environmental regulations, we've got you covered. Let us help you harness the true value of your property, with peace of mind and confidence. #LandUseExpertise #DevelopmentRegulations #RealEstateLaw #MaximizeLandPotential #RosswaySwanGuidance #NavigatingZoningLaws #UnlockingPropertyValue #InformedDevelopment #RealEstatePlanning #EnvironmentalCompliance #BuildingDreams #PropertyDevelopmentLaw #LegalLandUse #SmartPropertyInvestment #YourDevelopmentPartner

Thank you to everyone who joined us Wednesday for our webinar with the NYC Department of Buildings → LL97: Unpacking the Proposed Rules (2024) 🏙️ At our webinar, we unpacked the details of the latest set of proposed rules and what they mean for complying with Local Law 97. In case you missed it, watch the recording and find related resources here: https://ow.ly/9jwa50TJcbi #LocalLaw97 #LL97 #Sustainability #Decarbonization

Residential co-ops in New York City's Queens borough are challenging the city's landmark climate legislation, Local Law 97, in court. They argue this law, which sets strict emissions limits for large buildings, places an unfair burden on their communities As cities worldwide enact bold climate policies, this legal battle highlights the need to balance environmental goals with social equity. Achieving sustainability may require more tailored, community-centered approaches that don't unduly burden vulnerable populations. Finding that balance will be crucial for the long-term success of climate action. #LocalLaw97 #sustainability #climatePolicy #housing #equity