City staff pitches voluntary “Better Buildings” pilot to spur downtown housing and meet climate goals

Acting deputy city administrator Aleilia Parenteau told the Historic Landmarks Commission that the Better Buildings pilot is intended to encourage more infill housing while advancing the city’s climate goals.

"Housing is climate action," Parenteau said, arguing that well‑placed downtown housing reduces vehicle trips and locks in lower emissions. She told commissioners that nearly 248 units were built downtown in the past six years and that about 45 of those projects used the state density bonus law — the proposed pilot would be an alternative, voluntary pathway for developers.

Under the concept presented, developers would earn points by providing community benefits — such as affordability above the state standard, ecological and resilience features, mobility and public‑realm improvements, and low‑carbon materials — and spend points on incentives (examples include increased density or modifications to stormwater requirements).

Commissioners broadly welcomed the goal of more downtown housing but pressed for more detail. One asked how the pilot would avoid "gaming" the point system by rewarding easily attained measures while failing to reduce embodied carbon. Parenteau acknowledged the concern and said the city is still defining the benefit/incentive matrix and will return with clearer metrics for review.

Staff noted the pilot would be limited to the Central Business District and clarified the program is voluntary and not intended to replace the commission’s discretionary review. The matter was discussed at length; commissioners encouraged staff to return with a full matrix, examples of proposed concessions, and analysis of how the pilot would interact with existing state programs such as the density bonus.