Inclusionary zoning can't work because of the exclusionary zoning policies that the system relies on, according to new research.
Emily Hamilton, a researcher at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, shares a newly published working paper online that digs into the market outcomes of inclusionary zoning. The findings are not positive.
"Policymakers should not pursue inclusionary zoning as an affordability strategy," concludes Hamilton in a post to introduce and promote the research. "Rather, policymakers who want to create an environment of housing stability for households of all incomes should pursue land use liberalization (allowing for more abundant housing supply) along with subsidies targeted to those households that need them to afford market-rate housing."
Hamilton's explanation of the findings of the new paper distinguishes between the wide varieties of inclusionary zoning programs that have been implemented in 886 jurisdictions around the United States. Mandatory inclusionary zoning, optional inclusionary zoning, inclusionary zoning incentivized by density bonuses—the value of any program varies from neighborhood to neighborhood and relies very much on the rely on the underlying exclusionary zoning that prevents developers from building.
Hamilton studied the Baltimore-Washington region, where 15 jurisdictions have mandatory inclusionary zoning policies, and eight have optional programs. "Among those with optional programs, only Alexandria, VA, and Falls Church, VA, have produced any units," according to Hamilton. "Relative to other jurisdictions with optional inclusionary zoning programs, these jurisdictions have high house prices, owing in large part to their otherwise exclusionary zoning and high demand for housing."
FULL STORY: Inclusionary Zoning Hurts More Than It Helps
Why Inclusionary Zoning Alone Won't Solve the Housing Crisis
Building enough affordable housing to meet current shortages will take more concerted effort from policymakers.
Will Philly's New Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning Yield Results?
City leaders hope a new affordable housing law will increase the supply of affordable units in the city, but critics say the policy may lead to reduced construction and higher housing costs.
The Equity Case for Upzoning Wealthy Neighborhoods
New York City has completed a series of rezoning processes focused mostly on lower-income areas in the city. Here's what it would take to upzone wealthier parts of the city, and why the city should make it happen.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie