NLCU: Supporting Small-Scale Development

The event titled 'NLCU: Supporting Small-Scale Development' is an engaging online program designed for local government officials, including mayors, council members, city planners, and city staff who focus on housing and community development. This comprehensive six-week course features a series of interactive sessions led by experienced facilitators who bring real-world knowledge from both local government and the development sector, specifically in small-scale infill projects. Throughout the course, participants will engage in five virtual peer learning sessions, enhanced by group office hours where they can delve into specific topics with subject matter experts. Additionally, private coaching sessions are provided, allowing attendees to collaborate closely with a small group of their coworkers or collaborators. The curriculum is structured to address critical themes, such as the impact of policy decisions on project viability. In Week 2, participants will explore how various policy levers—like fees, setbacks, and parking requirements—affect the financial feasibility of small-scale projects. They will also compare different strategies for neighborhood infill, including pre-approved building plans, and assess which approaches may best fit their community's needs. By the conclusion of the program, particularly in Week 6, participants will be equipped to create a tailored menu of prioritized policy and program options, informed by their jurisdiction's specific context and implementation capacity. Matthew Petty, the lead facilitator from Pattern Zones Co., is an expert in addressing housing challenges and has extensive experience in reforming local development policies. His background includes serving 13 years as a councilmember and teaching small-scale development strategies in over 20 community workshops since 2016.