SPUR’s Post

SPUR has created the most up-to-date database of local land use ballot measures that impact housing production in California. Many of the 208 measures adopted between 1973 and 2023 curb urban sprawl and protect open space by limiting new development to urbanized areas. But without concurrent incentives to promote infill development of vacant or underutilized land in urbanized areas, many of the measures have the potential to limit the supply of housing overall. Other growth management ballot measures that have passed within city boundaries — such as zoning restrictions, voter approval requirements, height and bulk limits, and infrastructure provisions or parking requirements — have had a direct negative impact on infill housing production. Over the long term, measures that restrict infill housing can undermine housing affordability and have the potential to exacerbate racial segregation. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gNjFHB4A

SPUR has created the most up-to-date database of local land use ballot measures that impact housing production in California. Many of the 208 measures adopted between 1973 and 2023 curb urban sprawl and protect open space by limiting new development to urbanized areas. But without concurrent incentives to promote infill development of vacant or underutilized land in urbanized areas, many of the measures have the potential to limit the supply of housing overall. Other growth management ballot measures that have passed within city boundaries — such as zoning restrictions, voter approval requirements, height and bulk limits, and infrastructure provisions or parking requirements — have had a direct negative impact on infill housing production. Over the long term, measures that restrict infill housing can undermine housing affordability and have the potential to exacerbate racial segregation. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gjTFmv57

Incredible research on land use regulations and housing production from Emma Jordan and SPUR. Have a read to learn more about the impact of local land use ballot measures on infill housing production in California

Last summer, I worked with Sarah Karlinsky to develop and author a database and research paper documenting every local ballot measure that has had an impact on housing production in California from 1973 to 2023. I am beyond excited to share the live link to our research today! SPUR has created the most up-to-date database of local land use ballot measures that impact housing production in California. Many of the 208 measures adopted between 1973 and 2023 curb urban sprawl and protect open space by limiting new development to urbanized areas. But without concurrent incentives to promote infill development of vacant or underutilized land in urbanized areas, many of the measures have the potential to limit the supply of housing overall. Other growth management ballot measures that have passed within city boundaries — such as zoning restrictions, voter approval requirements, height and bulk limits, and infrastructure provisions or parking requirements — have had a direct negative impact on infill housing production. Over the long term, measures that restrict infill housing can undermine housing affordability and have the potential to exacerbate racial segregation. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gEi7B4gu

SPUR has created the most up-to-date database of local land use ballot measures that impact housing production in California. Many of the 208 measures adopted between 1973 and 2023 curb urban sprawl and protect open space by limiting new development to urbanized areas. But without concurrent incentives to promote infill development of vacant or underutilized land in urbanized areas, many of the measures have the potential to limit the supply of housing overall. Other growth management ballot measures that have passed within city boundaries — such as zoning restrictions, voter approval requirements, height and bulk limits, and infrastructure provisions or parking requirements — have had a direct negative impact on infill housing production. Over the long term, measures that restrict infill housing can undermine housing affordability and have the potential to exacerbate racial segregation. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gsHXk65A

SPUR's database tracks California's local land use measures, shaping growth patterns since the 1970s. While many aim to curb sprawl and protect open space, some inadvertently hinder housing supply and affordability, with impacts on racial segregation. https://lnkd.in/gQH3kD7Y #LandUseBallots #CaliforniaHousing #UrbanSprawl #HousingAffordability #GrowthManagement

Most greenfield development is low-density suburban sprawl – and we build a lot of it. Building densely – in a way that places lots of homes on each parcel of land and minimizes new car trips with mixed uses and jobs – is sustainable growth. Low-density development usually isn't. From the Orange County Register's (great) weekend editorial: "If California hopes to address its housing-affordability crisis, the state needs private developers to build all types of housing. Yes, much of it needs to go in undeveloped areas. Given the ongoing failures of many California municipal governments, we’d love to see a project that experiments with better and more cost-effective ways to provide basic services." Addressing our climate and housing crises together will require creating a model for building in new and better ways outside of existing cities. https://lnkd.in/gjSfzxFu

🚫 A setback for Arlington, VA’s "missing middle" housing plan 🚫 A judge has struck down Arlington County's ordinance to increase housing density, citing insufficient studies on its impact—particularly concerning stormwater, tree canopy, and proper procedural adherence. While opponents see this ruling as a victory for preserving neighborhoods, Arlington officials plan to appeal, defending their push for more inclusive housing. Communities across the country are closely watching this legal battle, as its outcome could shape how other cities tackle zoning changes and push for more inclusive housing solutions. This highlights the tension between expanding housing options and addressing local infrastructure concerns. 🌳🏘️ #HousingPolicy #MissingMiddle #ArlingtonVA #ZoningDebate #AffordableHousing #UrbanPlanning #HomesForAll

California is the worst in the United States …on zoning policy that is. This video is from the NYT (covering blue states that talk a great game about taking good care of people, but really don’t). It’s notable that the NYT is willing to take a shot at it blue state brethren. The clip I included here focuses on housing policy in California. As I said before, California leads the nation in everything, good and terrible. We are garbage level performance on housing policy and therefore are millions of units short on the housing front. Harvard JCHS indicates a 1.0M+ housing shortfall in Southern California alone. Mind you, it’s getting better - housing policy driven by Yimby action predominately - is being changed in major ways. But we’re decades into this supply constraint zoning policy, and we’ll take some decades to dig out. In the meantime, guys like us will innovate inside this garbage zoning policy system. We’ll work the problem, and deliver much needed workforce housing solutions for middle income multi generation families. https://lnkd.in/g2aA9Yxr

Great presentation on the importance and necessity of Zoning Reform!