This five-part course explores how housing serves as a critical economic development strategy. Through real-world examples, data, and policy analysis, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how housing influences labor markets, municipal finances, equity outcomes, and the long-term vitality of communities. Ideal for local government officials, planners, developers, and nonprofit leaders.
Ideal For:
- Local and regional government leaders: Mayors, city council members, county commissioners
- Economic development professionals: State, regional, and local economic development agencies.
- Planning and zoning officials: Planning directors, zoning board members, and community development staff.
- Housing and community development directors: State, regional, and local housing agencies.
Registration Closes: January 28
Format: Virtual, Live Instruction
Cost: $1,500
Scholarships are available to Housing Supply Challenge participants.
Wednesday, February 4 | 3-4:15 PM EST
Wednesday, February 11 | 3-4:15 PM EST
Wednesday, February 18 | 3-4:15 PM EST
Wednesday, February 25 | 3-4:15 PM EST
Wednesday, March 4 | 3-4:15 PM EST
Wednesday, March 11 | 3-4:15 PM EST
Sign up today by clicking the “Register Now” button. When completing your registration, be sure to log in to your MyNLC account and fill out all required information.
When prompted to select a registration type, please choose Student. You can then proceed with any additional information and payment, if applicable.
If you experience any issues, feel free to reach out to university@nlc.org for assistance.
Learning Objective
- Week 1 – Incremental Development in Practice
Participants will be able to explain how small-scale development differs from conventional large-scale projects and articulate why enabling these smaller projects matters for their community’s housing goals. - Week 2 – Calibrating Policy and Projects
Participants will learn to evaluate how specific policy decisions (fees, setbacks, parking requirements, etc.) affect the financial feasibility of small-scale projects and identify which policy levers have the greatest impact on project viability in their jurisdiction. - Week 3 – Always Be Experimenting
Participants will be able to compare different approaches to supporting neighborhood infill, including pre-approved building plans and other programs, and assess which strategies might be most appropriate for their community’s context. - Week 4 – Getting It Done
Attendees will learn strategies for enacting small-scale development reforms in their city, including approaches for engaging city council, addressing opposition, and building supportive coalitions. - Week 5 – Opportunities at Home
Participants will be able to identify specific barriers and opportunities for small-scale development in their community and formulate initial policy solutions based on peer experiences and best practices. - Week 6 – Coaching and Office Hours
Attendees will be able to prepare a menu of prioritized policy and program options tailored to their jurisdiction’s specific context and implementation capacity.
Course Facilitator
Matthew Petty helps towns and cities address housing challenges with pre-approved building programs. He served 13 years as councilmember for Fayetteville, Arkansas, and has written or co-written reforms for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), food trucks, townhouses, lot splits, pocket neighborhoods, and more. Since 2016, he has taught small-scale development to local leaders in more than 20 community workshops.