Study: Local land Use Regulations Segregate Metropolitan Areas

A new study reveals new understanding about how restrictive land use regulations in urban areas affect economic segregation across metropolitan areas.

1 minute read

January 5, 2016, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Richard Florida digs into the implications of a new study from researchers from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Health that examines the impacts of land use regulations on income segregation.

Michael C. Lensa and Paavo Monkkonena authored the study, "Do Strict Land Use Regulations Make Metropolitan Areas More Segregated by Income?" for the Journal of the American Planning Association. According to Florida, the study "uses new and better measures for both segregation and land use restrictions to examine this relationship in 95 large metropolitan areas in 2000 and 2010."

Florida takes a close look at four of the study's primary findings: 1) Density restrictions isolate the wealthy, 2) Restrictions in both cities and suburbs matter, 3) Local government restrictions contribute to segregation, and 4) State involvement can temper segregation.

Monday, January 4, 2016 in CityLab

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Broken, uneven sidewalk being damaged by large tree roots in Los Angeles, California.

The City of Broken Sidewalks

Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?

December 5, 2024 - Donald Shoup

Large store in mall with yellow and black STORE CLOSING sign on front.

Shifts in Shopping: Transforming Malls Into Parks

Maybe zombie malls still have a second life — one with a little greenery.

December 8, 2024 - Ruscena Wiederholt

Multifamily housing under construction.

To Build More Housing, Cities Must Be Smarter in How They Use Land

How strategic land use policy decisions can alleviate the housing crisis and limit unsustainable sprawl.

December 11, 2024 - John D. Landis

Bird's eye view of empty asphalt parking lot with one blue car.

Parking Reform Can Boost Homebuilding 40 to 70 Percent

More evidence that parking flexibility is key to housing abundance.

December 13 - Sightline

Close-up of "Shared Use Path" sign for pedestrians and cyclists on post in urban setting.

California Adds Complete Streets to Transportation Funding Guidelines

The state transportation commission previously declined to include bike and pedestrian infrastructure in its updated funding guidelines, despite a new state law requiring Complete Streets efforts in all Caltrans projects.

December 13 - Streetsblog California

Aerial view of downtown Omaha, Nebraska with holiday lights at sunset.

Omaha Streetcar Yielding $1.5 Billion in TIF Funds

The line, scheduled for completion in 2027, is bringing billions in new investment to the city’s urban core.

December 13 - KMTV 3 News Now

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.