Karen Parolek More about Karen Parolek Karen’s efforts redesigning zoning codes for cities in the U.S. and abroad have helped revolutionize the way we regulate land development in our communities to reinforce more walkable, sustainable places and have led to her recognition as a national expert in Form-Based Coding and zoning reform. She is co-author of the book “Form-Based Codes: A Guide for Planners, Urban Designers, Municipalities, and Developers” (Wiley, 2008). In 2010, Opticos Design coined the term "Missing Middle Housing" and later created MissingMiddleHousing.com as a resource for all. Karen is regularly invited to speak with organizations around the country about this effective housing affordability solution (especially in light of the housing crisis facing many U.S. cities) and critical element of walkable communities. Committed to developing better ways of running a business, Karen led Opticos to become a founding B Corporation in 2007 and a California Benefit Corporation in 2012—new types of impact-driven companies committed to a triple bottom line of social, environmental and fiscal responsibility.