‘End single-family zoning’ is bad political messaging

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For the past several years, in response to rapidly rising housing prices and rents, local and state governments from Maine to Florida to Montana have been investigating policy changes that could make it easier to build more homes. One emerging strategy is citywide or statewide zoning reforms that legalize smaller, cheaper homes, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and small apartment buildings. The language used to discuss these policy changes is still evolving. Media, academics, and advocacy groups on both sides of the debate frequently use the phrase “end single-family zoning”—a statement that implies radical change, either for good or ill. But good-faith supporters of abundant housing should drop this phrase from their talking points for two reasons. First, “end single-family zoning” is sloppy, imprecise language that doesn’t help policymakers think through the details of their policy choices. Moreover, the vagueness and negative framing can unnecessarily confuse an

Commentary September 10, 2024 Credit: Shutterstock 5 min read For the past several years, in response to rapidly rising housing prices and rents, local and state governments from Maine to Florida to Montana have been investigating policy changes that could make it easier to build more homes. One emerging strategy is citywide or statewide zoning reforms that legalize smaller, cheaper homes, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and small apartment buildings. The language used to discuss these policy changes is still evolving. Media, academics, and advocacy groups on both…

‘End single-family zoning’ is bad political messaging

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