About Us: Missing Middle Zoning
Our Journey and Mission
Founding Year: 2017
Welcome to Missing Middle Zoning, a news website dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of urban development—the so-called “middle” zoning areas. We are a passionate team of journalists, urban planners, and data enthusiasts who came together with a shared vision: to bridge the information gap surrounding this critical issue.
In 2017, we recognized that while much focus is given to high-rise buildings and suburban expansion, the unique challenges and opportunities presented by middle-density zoning often go unnoticed. Our mission is to empower communities, developers, and policymakers with insightful knowledge, fostering informed discussions on sustainable and inclusive urban growth.
Our History and Milestones:
- 2017: Missing Middle Zoning was born out of a collective desire to explore alternative zoning models. We launched our website as a platform for sharing research, interviews, and case studies, quickly gaining traction among urban enthusiasts and professionals.
- 2018: We published our landmark report, “Redefining Urban Density: A Deep Dive into Middle Zoning,” which attracted national attention from media outlets and urban planning organizations.
- 2019: MMZ (as we are affectionately known) expanded its team and started hosting virtual events, bringing together experts for insightful discussions on various zoning topics.
- 2020: During the global health crisis, we shifted our focus to exploring how middle-density development could contribute to more resilient urban communities. Our articles on flexible zoning regulations gained significant traction.
- 2021-2022: We continued to grow as a trusted source for news and analysis, launching several in-depth series on regional case studies, and introducing our community engagement initiative, “Zoning Voice.”
Our Purpose and Core Values:
We believe that accessible, unbiased information is the cornerstone of progressive urban development. Missing Middle Zoning strives to:
- Educate: Provide clear, concise explanations of middle zoning concepts, regulations, and their impact on communities.
- Empower: Arm readers with knowledge to engage in local planning processes and advocate for inclusive growth.
- Unleash Innovation: Encourage discussions on creative solutions to urban challenges through diverse zoning models.
- Maintain Integrity: Ensure all content is fact-checked, thoroughly researched, and free from bias, upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
Filling a Gaping Need:
The internet abounds with information on urban planning, but many sites focus primarily on high-end architecture or suburban expansion. Missing Middle Zoning fills this gap by exclusively concentrating on middle-density development. We aim to provide:
- Balanced Perspectives: Presenting both sides of every story, we offer a nuanced view of the benefits and challenges associated with different zoning practices.
- Actionable Insights: Going beyond theory, we deliver practical knowledge that can be applied in real-world scenarios.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging reader participation through comments and feedback, we create an interactive platform for sharing ideas.
Our Team:
Meet the dedicated individuals behind Missing Middle Zoning:
- Ava Sinclair (Founder & Editor-in-Chief): A seasoned urban planner turned tech entrepreneur, Ava’s passion lies in using technology to drive sustainable development.
- Dr. Leo Weber (Lead Writer): An award-winning journalist with a background in sociology, Leo brings a unique perspective to our articles.
- Mia Chen (Data Analyst): Mia’s expertise in data visualization makes complex zoning data accessible to our readers.
- Ethan Green (Community Manager): Ethan facilitates our reader engagement efforts and manages our social media platforms.
- Dr. Zara Khan (Advisory Board Member): An urban planning professor, Zara offers invaluable insights and reviews our content.
How We Deliver Quality:
Our rigorous fact-checking process ensures that every article undergoes multiple rounds of review by both in-house editors and external experts. We actively seek out diverse viewpoints through interviews and community feedback to maintain a well-rounded perspective.
Engage with Us:
We invite you, our readers, to be an integral part of Missing Middle Zoning. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Comments: Share your thoughts on our articles; we welcome constructive discussions.
- Feedback: Have a story idea or want to collaborate? Reach out via our Contact Us page.
- Contribute: If you are an urban planning professional, academic, or community leader with a unique perspective, consider contributing an article or case study.
Our Target Audience:
Our primary audience comprises urban planners, architects, policymakers, students, and concerned citizens who wish to understand and shape their cities’ future. By serving this diverse group, we foster inclusive growth and development.
We believe that every individual has a role in creating vibrant, sustainable communities, and Missing Middle Zoning is dedicated to making this journey together.