Brave New Home: Our Future in Smarter, Simpler, Happier Housing

“Brave New Home” is a book about why suburban single-family housing no longer works as well for families as it once did. It suggests alternatives that are healthier, better for the environment and more affordable, and outlines what it would take to move from a “default housing type” to a variety of housing options.

Diana Lind is a writer and nonprofit executive who lives in Philadelphia.

The big ideas for Urban Atlanta:

1. Demographic change is creating demand for alternatives to single-family housing.
2. If we are to create alternatives that can meet this demand, governments at all levels will have large roles to play. One role that local governments can play is with zoning changes that allow small multifamily developments to be built.
3. With the right leadership, Urban Atlanta could be the place where we see housing alternatives come to life. But we must choose these places wisely, starting with industrial and commercial sites in need of new development. We must also build new housing types the right way, with mixed uses, amenities and connections that encourage cycling and walking. Finally, we must think through financial incentives.
4. As we create new housing alternatives, state and local governments could offer incentives for existing alternatives, such as attached dwelling units, multigenerational housing and co-living units. The incentives could include property tax relief for a period of years.