Episode description

In PlanningxChange Episode 78 Jess Noonan and Peter Jewell interview John Myers (UK) and Michael Hendrix (USA) about the hyper local zoning initiative. John has developed a ‘bottom up’ approach to fixing chronically underperforming housing markets that occur throughout the western world. This consists of citizens within a block or similar smaller area petitioning to up zone their properties to enable greater development opportunities.

'Hyperlocal' can be part of the efforts to fix unresponsive and ‘gummed up’ zoning systems. The negative impacts of this planning failure are profound including the disenfranchisement of vast segments of citizens from the housing market and thereby creating significant layers of inequity and intergenerational conflict. For healthy cities to benefit their citizens, this problem needs to be tackled. Traditional methods of solving housing equity such as inclusive zoning, rent control and the mandatory allocation of social housing in large projects are discussed in the interview and these are found wanting. The critical issue is supply and to allow markets to do what they do best. John and Michael have teamed up to offer a new tool, hyperlocal zoning, for city managers, developers and city planners to increase housing choice and diversity by empowering local residents. Hyperlocal zoning is one of the most innovative theoretical approaches in recent decades to help cities achieve a better and more equitable supply of new housing. The initiative has been embraced across the political spectrum.

John Myers founded London YIMBY and the YIMBY Alliance, which campaign for an end to the housing crisis in the UK. He originally worked as a New York and English litigation and competition lawyer and then as an investment manager. His work has been covered in media including the Australian Financial Review, Bloomberg, CityLab and the Guardian.

Michael Hendrix is director of state and local policy at the Manhattan Institute. Previously, he served as senior director for research and emerging issues at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Hendrix is a frequent public speaker, and his writings have appeared in, among others, National Review, City Journal, and National Affairs.

This podcast was produced by Complete Podcasting Services. This episode released 20 May 2021.