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presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” [32] This path promotes the redevelopment of contaminated sites, where developers remove hazardous materials from a site’s soil or groundwater, thereby reducing human and wildlife exposure to environmental pollution and improving environmental health. Redeveloping contaminated sites often reduces the footprint of the project’s elements, with a redevelopment site using an average of 78% less land than the same project would use if it were built on a greenfield. [33]
PATH 2. HISTORIC LOCATION
This path rewards investing in historic areas, a proven strategy for maintaining and enhancing community character. Underutilized properties within historic districts can have a rich history that can contribute to both architectural and cultural preservation when incorporated into redevelopment. The redevelopment of sites in historic districts can also reduce urban sprawl through adaptive reuse. These areas were often originally designed as walkable communities before the dominance of automobiles, with compact layouts that support pedestrian access to amenities.
Option 2. Housing and Jobs Proximity
Many metropolitan areas within the U.S. exhibited robust job growth in the favorable economic conditions that prevailed from 2010 up to the pandemic-induced recession of 2020. [34] However, not all of those areas matched job growth with housing growth. Some of the nation’s most successful and productive metropolitan areas failed to meet housing demand, largely because of restrictions on land use.
Projects employing individuals who reside within the administrative district help support the local economy and foster a stronger connection between the community and the project. Additionally, prioritizing the development of location-efficient affordable housing ensures that housing options are both affordable and conveniently located near essential services, public transportation, and employment opportunities. This not only reduces commuting time and environmental impact but also enhances access to resources for residents. Furthermore, projects that invest in workforce development training programs for construction workers can equip them with valuable skills that promote career growth and economic mobility.
32 “Brownfields”, United States Environmental Protection Agency, last updated March 27, 2025, https://www.epa.gov/brownfields. 33 Deason, J. P., Sherk, G. W., & Carroll, G. A. “Public policies and private decisions affecting the redevelopment of brownfields”, Environmental and Energy Management Program, George Washington University, (2001), https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276292802_Public_Policies_and_Private_Decisions_Affecting_the_Redevelopment_of_Br ownfields_An_Analysis_of_Critical_Factors_Relative_Weights_and_Areal_Differentials. 34 Kober, Eric. “The Jobs-Housing Mismatch: What It Means for U.S. Metropolitan Areas”, Manhattan Institute, (July 7, 2021), https://manhattan.institute/article/the-jobs-housing-mismatch-what-it-means-for-u-s-metropolitan-areas.
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