Whenever hurricanes strike, wildfires rage, floods drown, or extreme heat swelters, they leave behind damage and destruction. Extreme weather events like these sometimes result in displacement, with people unable or unwilling to remain in their homes as climate disasters wreak havoc more frequently. But where can these climate-displaced people go? The nation is already experiencing a housing crisis, and displacement from natural disasters caused by climate change further strains resources. Disadvantaged communities with the least resources—including those displaced by climate hazards—are hit hardest. To better accommodate these groups, communities must adjust their zoning and land use policies.
[alert type=”info”] Join us on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST for our Climate-informed zoning webinar hosted by the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS). The session will showcase how land use planners and community-based organizations have advocated for and introduced climate resiliency measures into local zoning codes. Register here. [/alert]
Two years after addressing climate concerns in its zoning code, Cambridge ended exclusionary zoning, allowing multifamily housing up to four stories by-right citywide (or six stories with affordable housing). This reform expands housing options, supports growth near transit, and fosters greener, less car-dependent living. By removing restrictive zoning barriers, Cambridge is tackling its housing shortage while preparing to welcome new residents, like those displaced by climate hazards. As Mayor Denise Simmons said, the change was necessary to tear down the “barriers that have kept people out, that have restricted growth, [and] that have made it harder for families to put down roots.”
For communities across the U.S. pursuing resilient and inclusive development strategies, efforts like Cambridge’s must be a part of the conversation. With climate hazards becoming more frequent and more severe, more and more Americans are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand, and are increasingly at risk of displacement from their communities. Local stakeholders, including elected officials, land use practitioners, and community-based organizations need to advance land use policies that protect residents and newcomers by ensuring that development adheres to climate resilience standards, so that communities are better prepared for and protected from climate hazards. But to become a true resilient haven for all, communities must welcome newcomers with access to housing they can afford—and that means enacting reforms to allow for more housing development.
[alert type=”info”] This spring, Smart Growth America will be releasing a report highlighting how communities across the country have developed and implemented best practices in climate vulnerability planning and built environment policies that support those facing climate-induced displacement. The strides localities have made on housing and resilience issues are commendable, but the report outlines what more can be done to further address displacement due to the housing and climate crises. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to see when the new report drops. [/alert] Whenever hurricanes strike, wildfires rage, floods drown, or extreme heat swelters, they leave behind damage and destruction. Extreme weather events like these sometimes result in displacement, with people unable or unwilling to remain in their homes as climate disasters wreak havoc more frequently. But where can these climate-displaced people go? The nation is already experiencing a housing crisis, and displacement from natural disasters caused by climate change further strains resources. Disadvantaged communities with the least resources—including those displaced by climate hazards—are hit hardest. To better accommodate these groups, communities must adjust their zoning and land use policies.
[alert type=”info”] Join us on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST for our Climate-informed zoning webinar hosted by the Center for Zoning Solutions (CZS). The session will showcase how land use planners and community-based organizations have advocated for and introduced climate resiliency measures into local zoning codes. Register here. [/alert]
Two years after addressing climate concerns in its zoning code, Cambridge ended exclusionary zoning, allowing multifamily housing up to four stories by-right citywide (or six stories with affordable housing). This reform expands housing options, supports growth near transit, and fosters greener, less car-dependent living. By removing restrictive zoning barriers, Cambridge is tackling its housing shortage while preparing to welcome new residents, like those displaced by climate hazards. As Mayor Denise Simmons said, the change was necessary to tear down the “barriers that have kept people out, that have restricted growth, [and] that have made it harder for families to put down roots.”
For communities across the U.S. pursuing resilient and inclusive development strategies, efforts like Cambridge’s must be a part of the conversation. With climate hazards becoming more frequent and more severe, more and more Americans are experiencing the impacts of climate change firsthand, and are increasingly at risk of displacement from their communities. Local stakeholders, including elected officials, land use practitioners, and community-based organizations need to advance land use policies that protect residents and newcomers by ensuring that development adheres to climate resilience standards, so that communities are better prepared for and protected from climate hazards. But to become a true resilient haven for all, communities must welcome newcomers with access to housing they can afford—and that means enacting reforms to allow for more housing development.
[alert type=”info”] This spring, Smart Growth America will be releasing a report highlighting how communities across the country have developed and implemented best practices in climate vulnerability planning and built environment policies that support those facing climate-induced displacement. The strides localities have made on housing and resilience issues are commendable, but the report outlines what more can be done to further address displacement due to the housing and climate crises. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to see when the new report drops. [/alert]