COMMUNITY

STRATEGIES FOR STRONG COMMUNITIES

These six strategies can help cities and towns promote well-planned infill.

Work Constructively with Neighbors: Engage community residents early in the
development process to involve them in decision-making. Use existing plans as a starting point for discussing project proposals. Work with existing community groups to gain support for infill projects.

Make Infill Affordable: Provide policies and incentives, such as inclusionary housing ordinances and density bonuses, to include affordable homes in infill developments. Build a range of housing types of different sizes and prices.

Revitalize Declining Communities: Encourage simultaneous investment into targeted neighborhoods from many different sources, including commercial ventures, housing developments, and public investment in public spaces and infrastructure.

Prevent Displacement: Before undertaking significant infill, take steps to stabilize the neighborhood for renters, current and future homeowners, and local businesses. Provide relocation support to any residents disrupted by redevelopment efforts. Ensure that new development includes affordable homes to preserve mixed-income neighborhoods.

Ensure New Development Benefits the Community: To increase community approval of infill development, adopt policies that share the economic and other benefits of new development with the surrounding neighborhood and the city.

Create More and Better Public Spaces: To make urban living more pleasant and safe, provide well-maintained public spaces in each neighborhood, like parks, recreational facilities, and community gardens. Create safe routes children can use to walk to these places and to school, and safer streets for pedestrians. Provide adequate funds to keep parks and other public spaces safe and clean.