Trees, Grocery History, Climate, Parking among Topics at YIMBYTown Conference

Though one person posted advance notice to some FB groups, the YIMBYtown conference just wrapping up in Portland has not seemed to register very strongly here.

Fortunately, they have archived all the talks, and there are so very many that might be of interest. It's not too late to check it out!

It will take a while to view, revisit, and absorb these, so here are some quick hits.

via Twitter

It was great to see people highlighting some grocery store history in Joe Cortright's presentation during the panel, "Land Use Policy is Climate Policy is Housing Policy."

Here, the progress over just 15 years of Safeway from 13th and State without a parking lot, a few years later at 14th and State with a small parking lot, and a decade later on Center and 12th with a huge parking lot together encapsulates the trajectory. Though a chain, it progresses from a neighborhood-scaled corner store to a midcentury, car-oriented supermarket.

On street parking only, June 19th, 1936

Huge parking lot, just 15 years later
November 13th, 1951

Other presentations of interest here:

• With a practical angle, "What do Housing Providers Have to Say About Zoning Reform and City Policies?"
• Why parking is the enemy, not housing: "More Trees for More Neighbors"
• "Housing Abundance Requires Abundant Transportation"
• "Parking Reform: From theory to practice"

There are many others, and you may find one or more of particular interest to you. Here's the schedule with the people presenting for additional detail.