EASTON, MD — Rivers & Roads Consulting has published a white paper on scattered site housing. It examines how placing affordable homes in smaller developments across existing neighborhoods could improve access to services and amenities, including in rural Maryland.
How scattered site housing works
The approach distributes affordable homes among existing neighborhoods. The paper discusses how that can improve access to amenities and reduce the stigma associated with concentrated public housing.
“Our work on scattered site housing underscores the crucial need for mixed-income developments that integrate seamlessly into existing neighborhoods,” Rivers & Roads partner Ross Benincasa said. “By dispersing affordable housing units across a city or region, we’re not just addressing the affordable housing crisis; we’re actively contributing to the creation of more cohesive, inclusive communities.”
Examples from urban and rural communities
The white paper showcases various case studies, from urban settings like Minneapolis to rural locales in Vermont, demonstrating the adaptability and success of scattered site housing in different environments. It outlines clear recommendations for Maryland to harness the full potential of scattered site housing, including establishing dedicated funding streams, fostering public-private partnerships, and prioritizing mixed-income developments.
The paper asks local leaders to consider how site selection, financing, and housing design affect whether the approach is practical in their communities.
About Rivers & Roads Consulting
Rivers & Roads Consulting is a strategy firm that helps nonprofit and public-sector leaders make decisions, involve the people affected, and put those decisions into practice. Learn more about Rivers & Roads Consulting.
About Rivers & Roads Consulting
Rivers & Roads Consulting is a regional leader in community, economic, and real estate development consulting. With a keen focus on driving transformative change, our firm collaborates closely with mission-oriented nonprofits, forward-thinking local governments, and ambitious entrepreneurs to conceptualize and execute initiatives that invigorate communities and stimulate sustainable growth.
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