Transforming Communities: Missing Middle Housing + Inclusionary Housing

As Charlotte continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, the conversation around housing affordability and availability continues to manifest. With more people migrating to the Queen City for its vibrant economy, diverse culture, and quality of life, the need for a range of housing options has reached a critical point. In this context, the concepts of "Missing Middle Housing" and "Inclusionary Housing" emerge as promising solutions for the city’s housing challenges.

Understanding Missing Middle Housing
"Missing Middle Housing" refers to a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types that are compatible in scale with single-family homes and are often found in walkable neighborhoods. This includes duplexes, triplexes, quadraplexes, townhouses, courtyard apartments, cottage courts, live/work units, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These housing types were once common in American cities but have largely disappeared from new developments due to zoning restrictions, changing market dynamics, and a shift towards suburban-style, single-family homes, synonymous with urban sprawl.

The absence of these housing options has contributed to a housing gap between high-density apartment complexes and single-family homes. As a result, many middle-income families, young professionals, public sector servants, and seniors are finding it difficult to find housing to meet budget and lifestyle needs. By reintroducing these Missing Middle Housing strategies, Charlotte can create more diverse, affordable, and walkable neighborhoods that cater to a broader spectrum of residents while addressing the housing gap.

The Benefits of Inclusionary Housing
Inclusionary Housing is a policy approach that requires or incentivizes developers to include affordable housing units within new residential developments. This approach ensures that affordable housing is integrated into every neighborhood, promoting socioeconomic diversity and reducing the concentration of poverty.

This policy approach can help bridge the growing divide between affluent neighborhoods and those with fewer resources, fostering greater equity and access to opportunity. By embedding affordable housing options within established communities, the city can create more inclusive neighborhoods where people of varying income levels live side by side. This approach not only promotes equity but also strengthens community bonds and reduces social isolation, resulting in community resilience.

How Charlotte Can Benefit from Missing Middle and Inclusionary Housing
1. SCR: Integrating Missing Middle Housing into Charlotte’s established neighborhoods will better meet current demand for housing while making it possible for more residents to live in walkable, amenity-rich areas without being priced out.

2. Affordability: Missing Middle and Inclusionary Housing strategies can contribute to alleviating affordability through offering a lower cost to buy, rent, and/or potentially build.

3. Sustainable Growth: Encouraging the development of Missing Middle Housing within established neighborhoods, supports sustainable development through efficient use of existing infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive suburban sprawl. This is in line with the City’s goals for sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship.

4. Community Empowerment: Inclusionary Housing ensures that new developments contribute to the social landscape of Charlotte by creating mixed-income communities. This can help reduce economic segregation and promote a more inclusive, resilient city.

5. Community Assets: The development of community amenities such as parks, schools, trails, athletic facilities, and playground become positives when trying to market the housing to potential residents. Ideally this also encourages other businesses to be a part of the area therefore offering places for people to potentially work.

6. Economic Vitality: Mixed-income neighborhoods can stimulate local economies by attracting a diverse range of businesses and services. Additionally, the increased density associated with Missing Middle Housing can support public transit, reducing reliance on cars and making the city more accessible for all residents.

Moving Forward: Policy and Community Support
For Charlotte to fully realize the benefits of Missing Middle and Inclusionary Housing, it will require visionary leadership, supportive policies, thoughtful urban planning, robust community engagement, and shift in community sentiment. Creative zoning reforms are essential to accommodate the development of Missing Middle Housing in established neighborhoods. This includes relaxing regulations that currently favor single-family homes and encouraging the development of multi-unit dwellings that blend seamlessly with the existing neighborhood fabric.

Moreover, implementing Inclusionary Housing policies that require or otherwise incentivize developers to provide affordable units in new projects is imperative. Incentives such as density bonuses, tax abatements, or expedited permitting for developments that include affordable housing can help advance these initiatives.

Lastly and most importantly, community support will be essential to achieving resilient housing outcomes. A cultural shift in community sentiment towards embracing diversity, inclusivity, and collaborative decision making will be necessary. Awareness about the benefits of diverse and inclusive housing options will help overcome resistance to change and build consensus around the need for these housing solutions.

Leadership in Housing Development and Advocacy
UDP has established itself as a prominent planning and design leader, excelling as creative housing development consultants and as passionate common-sense community advocates. We have formed strategic partnerships with local housing developers, employing innovative and forward-thinking development strategies to maximize density in areas where it aligns with community needs and urban growth objectives. In addition, we work closely with city staff, leveraging our expertise to challenge and refine the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), securing favorable interpretations that enhance development outcomes. When necessary, we have taken a proactive stance in contesting UDO language, ensuring its enforcement does not undermine the city's original vision or lead to undesirable or unintended development results.

Conclusion
As Charlotte envisions the future, the need for diverse and affordable housing options has never been more critical. Reintroducing Missing Middle Housing and implementing Inclusionary Housing policies can play a pivotal role in addressing the city's housing challenges. By providing a wider range of housing types, fostering economic diversity, and encouraging sustainable urban growth, these solutions can create more equitable, resilient, and vibrant communities. However, realizing the full potential of these housing strategies will require a combination of visionary leadership, supportive policies, thoughtful planning, and strong community engagement. Educating and empowering residents about the benefits of inclusive housing can help shift community sentiment toward greater tolerance, inclusivity, and collaboration, ensuring that Charlotte's growth remains both equitable and sustainable for all its residents. The time to act is now, as the choices made today will shape the Charlotte of tomorrow.