Why does everyone keep talking about the "missing middle"?

[UNITED STATES] In recent years, urban planners, policymakers, and real estate developers have been buzzing about a concept known as the "missing middle" in housing. This term has gained significant traction as cities across the United States grapple with housing affordability issues and seek innovative solutions to create more diverse, sustainable, and livable communities. But what exactly is the missing middle, and why is it so crucial to the future of urban development?

The missing middle refers to a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types that are compatible in scale with single-family homes and help meet the growing demand for walkable, urban living. These housing types, which include duplexes, fourplexes, courtyard apartments, and townhouses, offer a middle ground between detached single-family homes and larger apartment buildings. They provide much-needed housing options for a diverse range of households, from young professionals to growing families and empty nesters.

The Origins and Importance of Missing Middle Housing

The concept of missing middle housing was coined by Daniel Parolek, an architect and urban planner, in 2010. Parolek recognized a gap in many American cities' housing stock – a lack of diverse, affordable options between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. This gap has contributed to the housing crisis that many urban areas are experiencing today.

"The missing middle is not just about building more housing," explains Parolek. "It's about creating diverse housing choices that support walkable, vibrant communities and provide options for people at different stages of life and income levels."

The importance of missing middle housing cannot be overstated. As cities continue to grow and evolve, there is an increasing need for housing that can accommodate a variety of household sizes, incomes, and lifestyles. Missing middle housing offers several key benefits:

Affordability: By increasing housing density without sacrificing neighborhood character, missing middle housing can help address the affordability crisis in many cities.

Diversity: These housing types provide options for a wide range of demographics, from young professionals to families and seniors, fostering more diverse and inclusive communities.

Sustainability: Missing middle housing often supports walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods, reducing car dependency and promoting more sustainable urban living.

Community Character: These housing types can be designed to blend seamlessly with existing neighborhoods, maintaining local character while increasing density.

Challenges in Implementing Missing Middle Housing

Despite the potential benefits, implementing missing middle housing faces several challenges. One of the primary obstacles is outdated zoning laws that prioritize single-family homes and restrict multi-unit development in many neighborhoods.

"Many of our zoning codes were written in the 1950s and 1960s, at a time when the ideal was seen as single-family homes on large lots," says Jenny Schuetz, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. "These codes often make it difficult or impossible to build the kind of diverse housing that we need today."

Changing these zoning laws can be a complex and politically charged process. Homeowners in single-family neighborhoods often resist changes that could increase density, fearing impacts on property values or neighborhood character. This phenomenon, known as NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), can be a significant barrier to implementing missing middle housing.

Another challenge is financing. Traditional lending models are often geared towards either single-family homes or large apartment complexes, making it difficult for developers to secure funding for missing middle projects.

Success Stories and Emerging Trends

Despite these challenges, several cities and regions have made significant progress in promoting missing middle housing. Portland, Oregon, for example, has implemented zoning changes that allow for more diverse housing types in previously single-family neighborhoods. Minneapolis has gone even further, eliminating single-family zoning citywide to allow duplexes and triplexes in all residential areas.

These policy changes are already showing promising results. In Portland, applications for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and other small-scale multi-unit projects have increased significantly since the zoning changes were implemented. This trend is not only providing more housing options but also helping to revitalize neighborhoods and create more vibrant, walkable communities.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

As the push for missing middle housing gains momentum, technology and innovation are playing an increasingly important role. New construction techniques, such as modular and prefab building methods, are making it easier and more cost-effective to develop these housing types.

Additionally, digital platforms are emerging to connect homeowners with potential ADU tenants or to facilitate co-living arrangements in larger homes. These innovations are helping to maximize the use of existing housing stock and create more flexible living arrangements.

The Future of Urban Housing

As cities continue to grow and evolve, the concept of missing middle housing is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping urban development. By providing diverse, affordable housing options that support walkable, sustainable communities, missing middle housing offers a promising solution to many of the challenges facing American cities today.

"The missing middle is not just about housing," concludes Daniel Parolek. "It's about creating the kind of diverse, vibrant neighborhoods that people want to live in. It's about building communities that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient in the face of changing demographics and economic conditions."

As more cities embrace this concept and work to overcome the barriers to implementation, we may see a transformation in the way we think about urban housing and community development. The missing middle could indeed be the key to creating more livable, affordable, and sustainable cities for generations to come.

Implications for Policy and Urban Planning

The growing recognition of the importance of missing middle housing has significant implications for policy and urban planning. Cities and regions looking to address housing affordability and create more diverse, sustainable communities may need to consider the following strategies:

Zoning Reform: Updating zoning codes to allow for a greater mix of housing types in residential areas is crucial. This may involve eliminating single-family zoning or creating new zoning categories that specifically encourage missing middle housing.

Incentives for Developers: Offering incentives such as density bonuses or expedited permitting processes can encourage developers to build missing middle housing types.

Public Education: Engaging with communities to explain the benefits of housing diversity and address concerns about neighborhood change is essential for gaining public support.

Infrastructure Investment: Ensuring that neighborhoods have the necessary infrastructure to support increased density, including public transportation, parks, and community facilities.

Financing Solutions: Working with lenders and financial institutions to develop new models for financing missing middle housing projects.

By implementing these strategies, cities can create a more supportive environment for missing middle housing and pave the way for more diverse, affordable, and sustainable urban communities.