Introducing, Small Bites.
Small Bites is a virtual training series delivering relevant and valuable tools on the implementation of small-scale development. Led by our diverse faculty, they’ll offer expertise drawn from real-life experiences. These one-hour “bite size” sessions are for people of all skill levels, from small-scale developers and local advocates, to policymakers. An opportunity to ask questions is included at the end of each session.
PRESENTED BY:
Litigating and Legislating for Organic (Incremental!) Development
Presented by Bob Belden, Trisha Dey, and Zoe Tishaev
Our most beloved cities were built incrementally—house by house, block by block. Today, regulatory barriers too often block the small-scale development our communities need. For over 30 years, the Institute for Justice (IJ) has fought at the intersection of litigation, legislation, and grassroots organizing to restore the freedom to build and grow organically.
This presentation explores three IJ approaches to removing barriers for incremental development:
State Legislative Reform – IJ advances model legislation (single-stair reform, ADU legalization, SRO housing) that dismantles exclusionary rules and enables neighborhood-scale developers to build without needless restrictions.
City-Level Consulting – Through the Cities Work initiative, IJ partners with municipalities nationwide to streamline permitting and make it faster, cheaper, and simpler for small-scale entrepreneurs to start businesses.
Strategic Litigation – When necessary, IJ litigates through the Zoning Justice Project, challenging tiny home bans, defending ADUs, and fighting minimum square footage laws and discriminatory enforcement.
In this session, you'll discover practical tools and strategies to overcome regulatory barriers in your community, learn how successful reforms have unlocked incremental development nationwide, and have the opportunity to discuss your biggest project challenges with IJ's legal experts.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
BOB BELDEN, Attorney with the Institute for Justice (IJ), Co-Director of IJ’s Zoning Justice Project
Bob Belden is an attorney with the Institute for Justice and co-directs IJ's Zoning Justice Project. Previously at Williams & Connolly LLP, he handled civil litigation at trial and appellate levels. He clerked for Judge Jerry E. Smith on the Fifth Circuit, earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Cornell Law School, and resides in Indianapolis.
TRISHA DEY, Activism Coordinator with the Institute for Justice (IJ)
Trisha Dey builds partnerships with communities and local activists to protect property rights, advance licensing reform, and break down barriers to starting and growing small businesses. She earned her B.A. in International Relations from American University in 2022 and joined IJ's activism team that year. Originally from Seattle, Trisha remains committed to grassroots, community-driven change.
ZOE TISHAEV, City Policy Assistant with the Institute for Justice (IJ)
Zoe Tishaev works with community activists, small business owners, and municipal leaders to advance economic justice and protect the right to earn an honest living through the Cities Work initiative. Previously, she worked on local campaigns in Montgomery County, Maryland, and contributed to Southern Urbanism while advocating for cyclist and pedestrian safety in Durham, North Carolina..
REGISTRATION
Small Bites sessions are a complementary membership benefit for Associate and Charter Members. Become a member today! Non-members can register for each session for $25 per ticket.
Recordings will be sent to those who register following the session. This event will be held in Central Standard Time. Details will be sent to attendees upon registration.
Contact
For any questions, message us at training@incrementaldevelopment.org.