1.0 Policy Package
Affordable Housing/Inclusionary Zoning
Inclusionary zoning (IZ) is an affordable housing policy tool that requires developers to set aside a portion of housing units for low- and moderate- income residents.
Cities’ housing markets and the quality of housing stock varies across the US, which means the best policy approaches will be comprehensive commitments to ensuring affordable, safe, quality options for all. While IZ works best in “hot” markets to promote affordable options alongside new development, it’s an important policy for all cities to consider before demand outstrips supply. For a more detailed discussion of inclusionary zoning and affordable housing policy, see the policy brief at the bottom of this page.
Our assessment of inclusionary zoning includes information about city laws valid through June 1, 2020, including those passed but not effective until later dates.
Measuring big cities’ inclusionary zoning policies
| How did we award inclusionary zoning policy medals? |  Bronze Medal |  Silver Medal |  Gold Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| City has a mandatory inclusionary zoning law |  | | |
| Law requires program evaluation | | | |
| Applies to projects of at least 10 units or less |  | | |
| Requires at least 20% of total project are affordable units | | | |
| City is blocked by state law from passing an inclusionary zoning law | Blocked |
Data Deep Dive
Data were created and maintained by the Center for Public Health Law Research.
