Public writing

Reflection on shifting from housing policy advocacy toward academic research as a PhD student, and what changes in the move.

Argues that lowering Minneapolis's minimum lot size would make homeownership more affordable, drawing on evidence from cities that have already made the change.

Research review and data analysis on whether adding small studio units helps open up larger homes for families through moving chains.

Co-authored with Alex Montero. Argues that allowing single-stair apartment buildings would unlock family-sized housing on Chicago's narrow lots, citing safety records from peer cities.

Review of Robert Fogelson's Downtown, tracing how American central business districts rose and what that history implies for cities now.

Essay on what it is like to live alongside an urban expressway, and how large infrastructure shapes daily neighborhood life.

A tour through Chicago's urban history and literature after a year of reading about the city.

Census data analysis examining family growth in downtown Chicago, housing unit composition by bedroom count, and demographic shifts in the urban core.

Data analysis of 900+ residential projects showing developers embrace low-parking housing. Examines Chicago's July 2025 parking reform ordinance and market demand for transit-oriented development.

Analysis of how Minneapolis has reached record household numbers, examining how housing needs are increasing even faster than population growth.

Historical analysis of Chicago's zoning evolution, examining Planned Developments, aldermanic privilege, and institutional path dependencies.

Policy analysis of St. Paul's rent stabilization ordinance, examining how the 2021 ballot initiative and subsequent exemptions have affected development.

Examines the slowdown in Twin Cities housing construction, with steep permit declines in 2024 due to macroeconomic conditions.

Commentary on recent policy changes enabling new development in St. Paul, highlighting projects that would have been illegal just a few years ago.

Early quantitative evaluation of Saint Paul's zoning reform implementation, examining permit data and development patterns.

Neighborhood-level analysis of housing and demographic data in North Center, examining the relationship between family growth and housing supply changes.

Reflections on a year of reading focused on urban history, housing economics, and the intellectual development of my policy perspective.

Personal narrative and policy reflection on immigration, combining personal experience with broader arguments about urban growth and economic dynamism.

Analysis of population decline in Logan Square using Census data, examining deconversions, household size dynamics, and housing unit changes.

Part 2 of inclusionary zoning series. Policy evaluation of Minneapolis's requirements, examining implementation outcomes and design considerations.

Part 1 of a two-part series examining the economics of inclusionary zoning and who bears the costs of affordable housing mandates.

Assesses Minnesota's progressive accomplishments through the lens of abundance, arguing for a liberalism focused on building rather than restricting.

Argues against deferring to local control on housing policy, examining how localism can obstruct needed housing development.

Legislative analysis of HF4246, Minnesota's state-level zoning reform bill, including perspectives from testimony at the Legislature.

Cultural essay comparing public art and urban identity in Chicago and the Twin Cities, examining how cities express themselves through shared spaces.

Mapping and statistical analysis of building permits post-2040 Plan. Over 2.5 years of data shows 72 new duplexes and 37 triplexes built, representing 255 housing units.

Analysis of Minneapolis and St. Paul's elimination of parking minimums, arguing this reform reduces construction costs and supports housing affordability.

Examines St. Paul's progress toward legalizing missing middle housing and how local discourse around zoning has improved.

Argues that successful communities should welcome newcomers rather than exclude them, examining zoning restrictions near universities.

Reviews research on urban freeways as I-94 is reconsidered, examining proposals for land bridges and multi-modal boulevards.

Co-authored with Joe Harrington. Argues for reconsidering I-94 in Minneapolis and Saint Paul as the highway reaches the end of its useful life. Won first place for editorials at 2024 MN SPJ Page One awards.

Examines why accessory dwelling units have succeeded in LA and Seattle but Minneapolis and St. Paul have seen minimal ADU construction.

Examines the structural barriers to building affordable housing quickly, including costs of land, labor, and materials.

Part of a five-part series on challenges to affordable housing in Minneapolis, examining the different types of housing shortages.

Policy assessment examining the Minneapolis 2040 plan's potential to increase housing density and affordability.

Case study of how inconsistent lot size requirements block housing development, even when neighboring lots don't meet minimum standards.

Parcel-level data analysis and visualization examining lot size distributions and zoning nonconformity across Minneapolis neighborhoods.

Policy argument for eliminating minimum lot size requirements, supported by data analysis of their effects on housing supply and affordability.