How do you balance public benefits and private incentives in incentive zoning?

1 Define the goals and values

Before designing an incentive zoning program, you need to define the goals and values of your community and stakeholders. What are the most pressing needs and priorities? What are the desired outcomes and impacts? How do you measure and evaluate them? By clarifying the goals and values, you can align the incentives and benefits with the vision and mission of your project.

2 Assess the market and feasibility

Another key step is to assess the market and feasibility of your incentive zoning program. You need to understand the supply and demand of land and development, the costs and benefits of different incentives and benefits, and the potential risks and opportunities. You also need to consider the legal and regulatory framework, the political and public support, and the administrative and technical capacity. By assessing the market and feasibility, you can ensure that your incentive zoning program is realistic and effective.

3 Design the incentives and benefits

The next step is to design the incentives and benefits of your incentive zoning program. You need to decide what type of incentives and benefits you will offer, how much you will offer, and how you will deliver them. There are different types of incentives and benefits, such as density bonuses, height bonuses, floor area ratio bonuses, tax abatements, fee waivers, or expedited permits. There are also different ways to deliver them, such as mandatory, voluntary, negotiable, or transferable. By designing the incentives and benefits, you can create a balanced and attractive package for developers and the public.

4 Communicate and engage

Another important step is to communicate and engage with your stakeholders and the public. You need to inform and educate them about the goals, values, incentives, and benefits of your incentive zoning program. You also need to listen and respond to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions. You can use various methods and channels to communicate and engage, such as surveys, workshops, meetings, webinars, newsletters, or social media. By communicating and engaging, you can build trust and consensus for your incentive zoning program.

5 Monitor and evaluate

The final step is to monitor and evaluate your incentive zoning program. You need to track and measure the performance and outcomes of your incentives and benefits. You also need to review and adjust your program based on the changing conditions and needs of your market and community. You can use various tools and indicators to monitor and evaluate, such as reports, audits, surveys, interviews, or case studies. By monitoring and evaluating, you can ensure that your incentive zoning program is accountable and adaptable.