Mixed-use development encompasses buildings or neighborhoods with mixed uses that include housing, shops, offices and other facilities in one building or neighborhood. Such mixed use developments support health and resilience – one answer to city decline or sprawl issues.

Local governments should develop or update existing comprehensive plans with an eye towards mixed-use development, and conduct an audit on zoning, subdivision, parking and land development regulations to identify any barriers that need to be removed.

Vertical Mixed-use

Vertical mixed-use developments, commonly found in high-rise buildings, combine commercial and retail spaces on the ground level with residential units above for maximum density, efficient land usage and greater walkability.

Retailers in these communities have unique opportunities to leverage building-wide marketing campaigns and cross-promotional partnerships that can significantly lower customer acquisition costs. It is crucial, however, to carefully consider their physical positioning relative to larger community initiatives so as to optimize visibility and value.

Vertical communities’ increased occupancy can put strain on existing water, energy and waste management services, necessitating proactive planning to ensure adequate resources. Without integrated commissioning services in place, vertical communities are vulnerable to operational failures, comfort complaints and increased energy costs – leading to less efficiency as well as higher operational failure rates and unnecessary energy costs.

Horizontal Mixed-use

Urban planners can utilize horizontal mixed-use development to incorporate commercial, retail and residential spaces within one neighborhood. This strategy provides investors, businesses and residents alike with numerous advantages such as increased economic activity, decreased traffic congestion and greater integration with the surrounding community.

This form of development offers housing options suitable for various income levels, creating more diverse and inclusive neighborhoods. Furthermore, public transport access allows communities to reduce their carbon footprint.

Community leaders and stakeholders must collaborate with local institutions and service organizations in order to implement mixed-use development strategies effectively. Together these groups can identify opportunities for mixed-use development in their area and offer guidance as to the most efficient ways of promoting them, support implementation of mixed-use elements into zoning regulations such as subdivision plans or development regulations (Chesapeake 2007) as well as incentives such as expedited permit reviews or lower development fees for mixed-use projects.

Transit Oriented Developments (TODs)

TODs (Transit Oriented Developments) are development projects that integrate public transit functions with people, buildings and community spaces to maximize access to transportation while also encouraging socialization, economic activity and environmental sustainability.

TOD developments typically offer a mix of housing types to accommodate households of various sizes and income levels, as well as businesses, restaurants, parks and other amenities that promote economic diversity.

Municipalities should strive to create an ideal TOD environment by prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist needs and including features like sidewalks, street lighting, bike lanes, parking spaces, traffic calming and signage in their plans for TODs. Such improvements will enhance safety while creating a sense of place.

TOD can be an effective solution to automobile dependency and air pollution, yet its implementation requires cooperation among many players with diverging perspectives and interests – city leaders, state representatives, policy makers, professional technicians of multiple fields, investors, future residents attached to traditional car-based lifestyles and grassroots and civic groups all being represented here.

Mixed-use zoning

Local governments can utilize zoning ordinances and design standards that encourage mixed-use development to increase accessibility for residents and visitors who experience physical challenges, in particular those living in wheelchairs. Such an approach provides many advantages, including increasing accessible destinations while simultaneously decreasing car use.

Research supports mixed-use neighborhoods as an effective strategy for encouraging physical activity and health by placing housing, services and amenities within easy walking distance of one another. This reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.

Local governments should promote mixed-use development by integrating residential, commercial, and public spaces into new construction as well as existing neighborhoods. They should engage with community organizations in identifying opportunities for revitalization; working closely with transit authorities so mixed-use developments match demand for transit services as well as service improvements; as well as engaging with community organizations on potential redevelopment and revitalization opportunities.