The Sightline Institute tackles what may be "our most acute urban public policy challenge."
Seattle's 2015 Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda caused something of a stir with its claim that exclusionary zoning is rooted in racism and classism, and no less complicit in those systems today.
Dan Bertolet, a senior researcher at the Sightline Institute, says that should have been an unremarkable statement. He offers a brief history of exclusionary zoning practices—like single-family zoning or strict height and density limits—and traces their effects on cities and communities in the United States.
Drawing on research from Harvard, the Brookings Institution, the White House, and more, the article summarizes the harm done by exclusionary zoning in eight related points. Among them:
- Tight regulations radically inflate housing costs
- Exclusionary zoning increases homelessness
- Housing restrictions make everyone poorer
The piece is part of Sightline's series Legalizing Inexpensive Housing.
FULL STORY: Exclusionary Zoning Robs Cities of Their Best Qualities

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions