All Categories

First/Last Mile case study using TNCs: Case Study

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), in Pinellas County, FL, launched a first-of-its-kind service with a transportation network company (TNC) and taxi company to offer joint first/last-mile service subsidized by public dollars. The case study (June 2019, 32 pages) reviews the pilot's three phases, with lessons on how to work with providers and how to construct an effective pilot project.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)

Junior accessory dwelling units create separate, small in-law suites within an existing single-family house. Permitting requirements are typically lighter than for attached/detached ADUs (e.g., fewer restrictions on sprinklers, parking) and include allowance for a small kitchen.

Playgrounds for Useful Knowledge

Playgrounds for Useful Knowledge held playful community programming on a vacant lot to tackle thorny issues such as gentrification, environmental restoration and housing through participatory design.

Tool Lending Libraries

Like a book lending library, tool libraries allow members to check out hand/power tools for short term use.

Shipping Containers as Buildings

As interest in repurposing shipping (or cargo) containers for buildings, housing and other uses grows, cities are developing new regulations for reuse and siting.

Mow to Own Vacant Lot Programs

"Mow to Own" programs enlist local residents who wish to acquire vacant, typically city-owned lots to care for lots in exchange for eventual ownership of the lot. These programs typically most effective in cities with a considerable number of vacant lots and low demand.

Shared Mobility

Shared mobility offers mobility options (cars, bicycles, rideshare), typically guided by smart phone-enabled reservation systems, as an alternative or complement to individual vehicle,ownership.

Rural Broadband & Internet Access

Access to high speed internet is essential as services & opportunity via technology grows, but like all utilities difficult to provide in areas of dispersed & isolated populations.

Local Food Councils

Local food policy councils bring together various sectors to improve local production, processing, distribution and education for better diets and economic development.

Infill Design Guidelines

Infill guidelines & toolkits provide ideas, examples and pattern books to influence quality design for infill projects.

Ride-Hailing & Taxicab Policies

As ride-hailing smart phone apps grow and car ownership declines, cities are revisiting policies to meet demand while ensuring safety and economic benefits for both riders and drivers.

Utility Cost Mapping

Utility costs drive up the cost of housing; tools that uncover inefficiencies or high rates can help renters and owners factor in unexpected costs when house-hunting.

Adaptive Reuse Programs

Adaptive reuse integrates new uses into existing buildings that are often not allowed under existing technical, building and zoning codes and standards.

Bus Stop Farmers' Markets

Co-locating farmers markets and transit provides convenient access to fresh foods Co-locating farmers markets and transit provides convenient access to fresh foods

Aging in Place

Communities that support lives over time Aging in Place refers to the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

Digital Equity

Digital equity seeks to ensure all residents & neighborhoods have the information technology capacity needed for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services.

Housing's Missing Middle

Missing Middle Housing is a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types Missing Middle Housing is a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types compatible in scale with single-family homes to meet the growing demand for walkable neighborhoods.

Stormwater Credit Trading

Stormwater credits allow homeowners who install green infrastructure and handle stormwater to attain and trade/sell credits to property owners who need to comply with stormwater requirements and fees. Stormwater credits allow homeowners who install green infrastructure and handle stormwater to attain and trade/sell credits to property owners who need to comply with stormwater requirements and fees.

Bicycle Oriented Development

Bicycle Trail Oriented Development plans a development portfolio to bike trails and lanes similar to how residential, commerical and other buildings are designed for access

Accessory Dwelling Units

Accesory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a second contained unit on the same grounds (or attached to) a single-family house. Examples include (1) apartment over the garage (2) a smaller house (on a foundation) in the backyard or (3) a basement apartment. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a second contained unit on the same grounds (or attached to) a single-family house. Also referred to as "granny flats" and "in-law suites. Units can be separate (e.g., above a garage), attached or located within the main dwelling unit (e.g., basement apartment). Typcailly includes a full bathroom, kitchen and separate entrance.