When someone needs to sell their house and hires an agent, typically the agent will disclose the commissions, including the cooperating broker’s commission; usually 2.5-3%. This commission is then advertised on the MLS with the house listing, letting buyer agents know how much they can make by selling that house. Because commissions are based on a percentage of the agreed-upon gross sale price, both the selling and the buying agents are incentivized to sell every house for the highest price possible. Since the commission is paid for by the seller and both agents are pushing prices high, all agents involved…

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) A form of community development that identifies and utilizes a place’s strengths rather than focusing on needs and/or deficiencies. The main benefit of ABCD is the ability to engage and mobilize the community affected by plans and future developments creating immediate buy-in from stakeholders contributing to the sustainability of projects. https://resources.depaul.edu/abcd-institute/resources/Documents/WhatisAssetBasedCommunityDevelopment.pdf Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) A secondary residence located on a lot zoned for single-family residential. These can be attached to the primary structure, a separate building, or by converting spaces like basements, attics, or garages into additional living space. ADUs create indirect ways of creating…