Building a Better Housing Future: Simplifying Permits to Support Affordability in Hamilton

Brief

Through an innovation coaching program with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation, help Hamilton, Ontario improve the residential permit application process to create more (and more affordable) housing in the city.

SOLUTION

Prototyping a Smarter, More Collaborative Permit Process

We developed an AI-enabled prototype to simplify and speed up the residential permit application process.

To support better coordination, we also created storyboards showing a reimagined team structure—fostering clearer collaboration between city officials, builders, and residents throughout the permitting journey.

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OUTCOME

Laying the Groundwork for Scalable, People-Centered Implementation

Two Pilot Programs and Strengthened Collaboration:
The project led to two fully staffed pilot programs now moving into implementation. Throughout the process, over 60 collaborators—including city staff, builders, and community members—generated 821 ideas, strengthening cross-sector collaboration and setting a foundation for long-term improvements in housing access and affordability.