Land Use Mix
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Land use mix refers to the degree to which that different types of land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) are physically and functionally integrated. At a neighborhood scale, this relates strongly to Local Accessibility.
A similar concept is mixed-used development. While a mix of land uses describes the diversity of land use types in a neighborhood, mixed-use development refers to a development project, often a single building, that incorporates multiple land uses. A mix of land uses is one component of compact neighborhoods, which are also known as New Urbanist, smart growth, or traditional neighborhoods. The 15-minute city or 20-minute neighborhood is similar to the idea of compact neighborhoods, where residents are able to meet most of their needs within a short walk or bike ride from their home. |
Proven Outcomes
Increased Walking
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Increased Physical Activity
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An increase in the mix of land uses is a recommended strategy for increasing walking and physical activity (Community Guide, 2016). Mixed-use development is also a scientifically supported strategy for increasing physical activity (County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2017). As with all land use strategies (e.g., residential density), the more strategies that are employed together, the more likely you will achieve a stronger influence on travel behavior.
Likely Outcomes
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Improved Aesthetics
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Possible benefits include increased active transportation, improved health outcomes, and improved aesthetics/ positive user perceptions of space (Community Guide, 2016; County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, 2017; Spears et al., 2014).
A greater mix of land uses could help reduce congestion and air pollution by reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (Spears et al., 2014). However, an increased mix of land uses might also encourage more driving because more destinations are nearby, generating more trips overall. The small sample size in the meta-regression analysis makes it difficult to determine whether residential self-selection--when people choose to live in neighborhoods that favor their preferred mode of travel--overrides the VMT reductions (Stevens, 2017, paywall). In general, the research consensus is that self-selection exists but does not discount built environment effects (Boarnet, 2011, paywall).
A greater mix of land uses could help reduce congestion and air pollution by reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (Spears et al., 2014). However, an increased mix of land uses might also encourage more driving because more destinations are nearby, generating more trips overall. The small sample size in the meta-regression analysis makes it difficult to determine whether residential self-selection--when people choose to live in neighborhoods that favor their preferred mode of travel--overrides the VMT reductions (Stevens, 2017, paywall). In general, the research consensus is that self-selection exists but does not discount built environment effects (Boarnet, 2011, paywall).
Equity and Inclusion
A greater mix of land uses increases local accessibility by reducing the distances between residences and destinations. Some considerations:
- Strategies that involve changes to the physical environment may increase the attractiveness of an area. An increased demand for housing may result in increased property values or rents and could lead to involuntary displacement if appropriate mitigation strategies are not put into place. The lessons learned from anti-displacement efforts in several cities can be found in this PolicyLink report. Practitioners can evaluate the risk of displacement through the methods described by Chapple et al. (2017) or Bates (2013).
- New neighborhood destinations may not translate into increased access for all residents if the new services do not meet their needs. Consider whether new stores and services meet the cultural preferences of local residents and are affordable to them.
- In an environment where "big box" stores dominate, it may be challenging for neighborhood businesses to survive. Zoning codes that prohibit local commercial uses are often a barrier.
- A community-based economic development strategy can help create meaningful accessibility as well as employment opportunities for local residents.
- Experiencing harassment or violence while walking or bicycling is a concern for many people of color. If your goal is to increase walking or bicycling with this strategy, recognize that changing land use does not directly address this concern.
Complementary Strategies
Implementation Guidance
Guides & Reports
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