Webinar: Going Up! Or, How to Get More Elevators as We Win More Homes
April 10, 2026: A panel discussion and Q+A all about elevators, hosted by Sightline Institute and Welcoming Neighbors Network.
The United States has the fewest elevators in the rich world, with Canada only a bit ahead. The fundamental issue? Elevators in these two countries cost three to four times more to build and operate than in other rich countries, restricting them to the biggest buildings and the biggest cities.
It’s been this way for decades, but it shouldn’t stay this way. And as housing advocates earn more wins year after year, the resulting homes should include more elevators—and more of the convenience, age-friendliness, and accessibility they bring for residents.
Stephen Smith, author of a groundbreaking 2024 report on this subject and founder of the Center for Building in North America, moderates a panel discussion including:
- Cassie Wilson, Legislative Manager, 1000 Friends of Oregon
- Shane Boland, Development Director, Owen Gabbert LLC
- Uytae Lee, Founder and Director, About Here
They discuss the obstacles, needs, and opportunities ahead, plus news of a fresh elevators win in Washington state, to get more elevators in our communities. Check out Uytae’s video and related reading below.
Related
- The American elevator explains why housing costs have skyrocketed | New York Times (gift link)
- Missing in the middle of WA’s middle housing: Elevators | Seattle Times
- Video: Apartment Tour: Are Oregon’s Accessible Units Actually Accessible? | 1000 Friends of Oregon
- How elevator rules are throwing a wrench into America’s housing market | Washington Post