How can you implement inclusionary zoning in your city?

1 Assess your housing needs

Before you adopt an inclusionary zoning policy, you need to understand the current and projected housing needs and gaps in your city. You can conduct a housing needs assessment that analyzes the demand, supply, and affordability of different types of housing, as well as the demographic and economic characteristics of your population. This will help you identify the target groups, income levels, and locations for inclusionary zoning, as well as the potential impacts and benefits of the policy.

2 Design your policy framework

Once you have a clear picture of your housing needs, you can design your policy framework for inclusionary zoning. This involves setting the goals, objectives, and scope of the policy, as well as defining the key elements, such as the inclusionary requirement, the affordability period, the incentives and offsets, the compliance and monitoring mechanisms, and the administration and governance structures. You should also consider the legal and regulatory context, the market conditions, and the stakeholder interests and preferences when designing your policy framework.

3 Engage your stakeholders

Inclusionary zoning is a complex and controversial policy that affects various stakeholders, such as developers, landowners, renters, homeowners, community groups, and local governments. Therefore, it is essential to engage your stakeholders throughout the policy process, from planning to implementation to evaluation. You can use different methods and tools, such as surveys, workshops, focus groups, public hearings, and advisory committees, to solicit feedback, input, and support from your stakeholders. You should also communicate clearly and transparently about the rationale, objectives, and outcomes of the policy.

4 Implement your policy

After you have designed and engaged your policy framework, you can implement your inclusionary zoning policy in your city. This involves applying the policy to specific projects, sites, or areas, as well as providing the necessary incentives, offsets, and assistance to the developers and the residents. You should also establish and enforce the rules and procedures for compliance and monitoring, such as verifying the eligibility and affordability of the units, collecting and managing the fees or in-lieu payments, and reporting and evaluating the performance and impact of the policy.

5 Evaluate your policy

Finally, you should evaluate your inclusionary zoning policy regularly to measure its effectiveness and efficiency, as well as to identify the challenges and opportunities for improvement. You can use quantitative and qualitative indicators and methods, such as surveys, interviews, case studies, and cost-benefit analysis, to assess the outputs, outcomes, and impacts of the policy on the housing market, the residents, and the city. You should also use the evaluation results to inform and adjust your policy framework, as well as to share and learn from the best practices and lessons learned.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?