In our last meeting we had a very informative discussion on zoning, thanks to the expertise of urban planner Jeffery Tompkins as well as Carmel city councilor Shannon Minnaar, who sits on the Housing Commission. My summary of the Q&A with some quotes from Mr Tompkins:

  • "There's going to be a next Carmel" - the model of good schools plus a walkable downtown with mixed-use is easily replicated. People will choose to live in Westfield, Fishers, etc. over Carmel if the housing is cheaper. We can't depend on demand continuing forever.

  • While comprehensive plans might prioritize walkability, small business support, and even transit, the actual zoning code doesn't always match; "you get what you zone for" — and that means mostly single family housing in many cities.

  • More flexible zoning allows you as a property owner to "grow with your land". Adaptive re-use and multi-generational living are possible when owners can add density to their homes.

  • "Resident developers can grow wealth" - zoning that allows homeowners to add an ADU or renovate to create a duplex helps residents participate in the development of Carmel and grow local wealth, instead of leaving development only to the rich or outside developers with "Wall Street money".

I enjoyed the back and forth discussion on how zoning can affect wealth and shape our cities. If you're interested in continuing to be involved in that discussion, I highly recommend you watch or attend the next Housing Commission meeting on 11/25 at 9am at city hall. It should be live-streamed on the city YouTube channel.

If you want to learn more about urban planning issues like "porches as social infrastructure" or why "your garage might be the most underrated room in the city", subscribe to Jeffery's Substack: Thinking Big by Thinking Small.

Upcoming City Meetings

There are plenty of opportunities to learn about how our local government functions, get to meet our representatives, and speak on issues that are important to Strong Towns Carmel.