Housing People Not Cars with Rammy Cortez

The Finest City

In this episode of the Knowledge to Action series, host Jen Whitelaw speaks with Developer Rammy Cortez of Rammy Urban Infill. Rammy speaks about his work specializing in creating attractive infill residential micro-unit communities in urban walkabout areas. Rammy discusses his belief in housing people and not cars, and how San Diego can better build efficient dwelling units that help all members of the community. Rammy talks about the three worlds of urban planning, environment, and transportation colliding.

Timestamps:

[4:10] Rammy talks about learning construction through the “school of hard knocks” and some things that he learned along the way of his career in development.

[8:00] How San Diego continues to suffer the strain of redlining, despite the change of laws.

[9:18] How can we help lift neighborhoods and create urban core development without displacing people?

[9:40] Those who have the least are paying for those who have the most.

[10:52] Rammy discusses SB9 which was passed by the state and mandated by the municipality.

[15:21] In 2016, the city enhanced the Affordable Housing Density Bonus Program that was passed down to the state.

[24:22] Rammy discusses what creates safety in communities and how we can build at a market rate that makes a positive difference in the community.

[31:00] What is a patron investment?

[32:06] Our community is made up of urban acupuncture of different types of projects that sit next to each other.

About C-3

In its 60 years of existence, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) has brought together local thought leaders from planning, design, policy, academia, community development, and more to address our region’s distinctive and pressing land use challenges. In founding C-3 almost 60 years ago, architect Lloyd Ruocco’s vision was to bring together our region’s most creative minds from the arts, sciences, academia, and government to share ideas, learn new perspectives, and build fellowship around the idea of creating livable communities.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Rammy Urban Infill

Rammy Urban Infill IG

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