Maximizing Inclusionary Zoning's Contributions to Both Affordable Housing and Residential Integration

Abstract

Inclusionary zoning is a popular policy that can uniquely serve both affordable housing and fair housing goals at the same time. Assuming the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development finalizes its proposed “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” regulation, inclusionary zoning will become more broadly used. But more extensive use of inclusionary zoning poses both opportunities and risks for housing advocates because of the following three issues: (1) Unacknowledged tradeoffs between affordable housing and fair housing goals in inclusionary zoning design and implementation; (2) Conflicting concepts of residential integration; and (3) Legal challenges to inclusionary zoning. The challenge facing inclusionary zoning supporters is: How can we maximize the complementary nature of inclusionary zoning’s affordable housing and fair housing goals? This article explores the challenges and makes recommendations.

Keywords: zoning, inclusionary zoning, affordable housing, housing goals