An editorial in the New York Times argues that exclusionary zoning reinforces segregation and must be curbed.
Richard D. Kahlenberg sees segregation written into the zoning laws of American cities and towns. Even though racial segregation laws have been struck down by the Supreme Court, exclusionary zoning endures, and that zoning, Kahlenberg argues, is fueling segregation.
"The Supreme Court’s comparative willingness to tolerate explicit economic discrimination is mirrored in American public policy," Kahlenberg argues. These laws and policies have ensured that, while racial segregation has decreased, class segregation has increased. "Exclusionary zoning frustrates the Fair Housing Act’s aim by erecting barriers that exclude millions of low-income African-Americans and Latinos from wealthier white communities," Kahlenberg writes.
Kahlenberg sees a solution in a curb on the extent of zoning, either with an outright ban or a punitive action. "If we can’t achieve a ban, we should assess a penalty on municipalities that engage in discriminatory zoning, either by withholding infrastructure funds or limiting the tax deduction that homeowners in those towns can take for mortgage interest," he writes.
FULL STORY: The Walls We Won’t Tear Down
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
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