From Red Tape to Real Homes: Practical Reforms Making Cities More Affordable

Urban centers across the United States face a growing shortage of affordable housing, driven by rising rents, limited supply, and economic disparities. Addressing this challenge requires a combination of policy reforms, community initiatives, and innovative housing strategies to ensure all residents have access to safe and affordable homes.

1. Legalizing Diverse Housing Types

Many cities have historically restricted housing development to single-family homes, limiting affordability. Recent reforms include:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Allowing small, independent units on existing properties increases housing supply and provides homeowners with rental income. Cities like Seattle and Washington, D.C., have relaxed zoning laws to permit more ADUs¹.

• Multi-Family Housing: Permitting duplexes, triplexes, and apartment buildings increases density and affordability. Minneapolis has demonstrated success by eliminating restrictive single-family zoning, allowing more inclusive housing options¹.

2. Inclusionary Zoning

Inclusionary zoning requires developers to include affordable units in new housing projects. For example, Albany, New York, mandates that 10–13% of units in large developments remain affordable, helping low- and moderate-income residents stay in their communities². This approach balances growth with accessibility.

3. Leveraging Public Land and Funding

Publicly owned land can be used for affordable housing projects to reduce costs:

• Cities sell or lease public land at reduced rates in exchange for commitm