Cities such as Portland, USA are pushing back against NIMBYism and embracing medium-density development, the so-called Missing Middle Housing, while others such as Brisbane, Australia, are discouraging it. Economics Explored host Gene Tunny speaks with Australian urban planning expert Natalie Rayment about the economic and social costs and benefits of urban planning/zoning rules. 

About this episode's guest - Natalie Rayment, Executive Director of Wolter Consulting

Natalie has built a career in town planning over the last 25 years. Her experience in both the private and public sector has culminated in her role as Executive Director of Wolter Consulting Group. Natalie is a Registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia, a recognised expert town planning witness to the Court and specialises in statutory planning and development facilitation. Natalie is also a Member of the Property Council 2019/2020 Retirement Living Committee and Deputy Chair of the HIA Qld Planning Committee.

In early 2016, Natalie co-founded YIMBY Qld, a not-for-profit public interest organisation, saying yes in my back yard to good development that makes for better living. And in 2019, she joined the Board of Beddown as Deputy Chair. Beddown is a charitable organisation providing pop-up accommodation hubs for those who are most vulnerable.

Relevant links

Natalie's LinkedIn post on Missing Middle Housing

The Economist on House prices are going ballistic

The Effect of Zoning on Housing Prices

5 Things You Should Know About Portland's New Housing Reform

The High Cost of Free Parking

Cutters Landing History