This is an important thread on how well-meaning building codes destroy affordability, design, and urban sites. 🧵

RI entrepreneur & philanthropist Carolyn Rafaelian Rafaelian donated the historic @TempleBethEl property on Broad St in PVD to CSEA in a very moving event that was a great reminder of the inclusive, supportive community in RI, as well as Carolyn's generosity + commitment to our state.

Aaron Lubeck Up until recently, cost had basically no bearing on building code changes. Life Safety was the only concern. And life safety arguments were/are not based on standards or statistics but on rare tragic accidents like a deck failure, earthquake etc.

Always the same story: “The first building to win the RIBA Stirling Prize – Hodder Associates’ Centenary Building for the University of Salford – is to be demolished… its ageing infrastructure means it no longer meets modern standards” Only 29 yrs old! architectsjournal.co.uk/news/exclusive…

It strikes me as ironic that for all of the emphasis in modern filmmaking on quick cuts and motion and always action, probably the two most impactful genre films, like, ever (Star Wars and Fellowship of the Ring) both feature extended boardroom debate scenes.

Since I'm going to read K. Joseph Shekarchi's 5th annual housing process reform package, I might as well tweet it. The first point is obvious: process is hard & takes a zillion little changes. Hence 5 packages, with no letup. 🐢🧵

All Rhode Islanders deserve to live in quality homes in safe and thriving neighborhoods. Thank you June Speakman, for your leadership and dedication to this effort – we’re thrilled you’ll be joining us for our press conference on March 18th, 3:15pm

Today I joined Neighbors Welcome! Rhode Island for a poll release showing that 57% of RIers say housing is the biggest issue in our state & 78% don't think their communities have enough affordable homes. Since becoming Speaker, I've made housing my top priority. This poll validates why!

Progress is being made! Rhode Islanders are more willing to accept our housing problem requires up-zoning and over-riding local control. Good poll, Neighbors Welcome! Rhode Island!

Together, Housing and Transit just make sense. On 4/8, we'll join forces with other housing 🏗️🏠 and transit 🚍 advocates to call attention to common-sense proposals that make it easier to build homes that Rhode Island desperately needs, including near public transit!

Rhode Island YIMBYism is on the rise! Rhode Island’s newest YIMBY group, East Providence in Community, Neighbors Welcome! Rhode Island and East Providence Mayor Bob Desilva gathered to talk about building more homes in EP “at every price point, and of every size.”

Our happy hour with @epincommunity was so much fun. It is incredibly inspiring to talk with so many people who are ready for more homes in their neighborhood! Thanks to everyone who came. If you want to organize a happy hour with us, send us a dm anytime.

A new poll of AZ voters shows strong support for the AZ Starter Homes Act! Shawnna LM Bolick Rep. Leo Biasiucci Sen. Analise Ortiz (@senanaliseortiz.bsky.social) Anna Hernandez Sarah Liguori Warren Petersen Arizona Senate Democrats Arizona House Democrats Arizona Senate Democrats

Well, this is exciting–our first bill is off to the Rhode Island Senate! Thank you June Speakman for your sponsorship and support of H5798, a bill that makes it easier to build townhomes!

You can’t fix a housing market without a lot of private market rate development—I have a piece in the Boston Globe today along with Jennifer Hawkins. bostonglobe.com/2025/04/09/met…

A window into the dark arts of commercial real estate will help you better understand why commercial storefronts stay dark. * Large multifamily developers don't really need their retail to succeed * Spaces aren't built to meet the market buildthenextrightthing.substack.com/p/whats-with-t…