Brian Hanlon, a key figure in urban development advocacy, announced via social media that the Metropolitan Abundance Project (MAP) is poised to address numerous pressing urban issues. In a recent tweet, Hanlon stated, > "Eventually, the Metropolitan Abundance Project will address many of these issues." This initiative aims to revitalize American cities by promoting a framework of "urban abundance" to combat challenges like poverty and segregation.
The Metropolitan Abundance Project, an endeavor of California YIMBY, functions as a policy center dedicated to fostering more affordable, sustainable, and prosperous cities. Its core philosophy rejects a scarcity mindset, advocating for plentiful housing, efficient transit, and effective governance as foundational elements for thriving metropolitan areas. MAP identifies these as crucial keys to resolving some of the most significant problems facing contemporary urban environments.
MAP's vision centers on creating "abundant cities" characterized by opportunity and innovation. By implementing its proven policy framework, the project seeks to significantly reduce poverty, mitigate segregation, and enhance the overall quality of urban life. The initiative works directly with state and local leaders to reverse negative trajectories in urban development.
The project emphasizes that housing abundance is a necessary, though not singular, condition for urban prosperity. Beyond housing, MAP's agenda includes embracing cities as integral to climate solutions, breaking down barriers to shared prosperity, and empowering local civil services. It also focuses on making cities desirable places for living, working, and raising families.
To achieve its goals, the Metropolitan Abundance Project develops and disseminates best practices and reforms from across the U.S. and from global cities like Tokyo and Medellín. It actively engages in public education through various channels, including reports, blogs, and its "Abundance" podcast, which features discussions with academics and practitioners shaping urban policy. The project positions itself as a forward-thinking leader in the urban abundance movement, advocating for policies that enable everyone to achieve their full potential within metropolitan areas.