Welcome to Around Town Pasadena! In this article, we shed light on the critical issue of exclusionary zoning policies that have plagued Greater Pasadena, causing adverse effects on the local economy and democracy. By limiting the construction of homes where people desire to live, these policies inflate housing costs and disproportionately impact young middle-class families and low-income households. Join us as we explore the consequences of these restrictions and the potential solutions to make housing more affordable and inclusive.

The Costly Consequences of Exclusionary Zoning: In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions revealed the impact of limited supply on prices. Similarly, the housing market experiences perpetual supply malfunctions due to local government zoning policies. These policies prohibit developers from building homes in high-demand areas and impose requirements for large lots, artificially driving up the cost of housing. As shelter represents the most significant expense for many Americans, these policies hinder economic growth and create challenges for families struggling to balance housing costs with basic needs like food and medicine.

The Truth about Housing Costs: Contrary to popular belief, housing costs are not solely determined by the free market. While communities with excellent public schools and safe environments naturally command higher property values, the affordability of homes in these areas could be significantly improved if localities allowed for more housing units to be built on available land. Strict residential zoning laws have deep historical roots, initially used to enforce racial segregation, and today, they primarily target low-income and working-class individuals, irrespective of race. Interestingly, highly educated liberal communities engage in the most exclusionary housing policies, perpetuating economic inequality.

Education and Housing: Inextricably Linked: Exclusionary housing practices are a fundamental driver of educational inequality in America. As 73% of American schoolchildren attend neighborhood public schools, the quality of education is often determined by where one lives. While efforts to improve education often focus on school boards and state officials, it is equally important to address the role of local and state housing policies. Research has consistently shown that economic segregation resulting from housing policy has a more substantial impact on educational opportunities than per-pupil spending. Innovative programs, such as inclusionary zoning laws, have proven effective in narrowing the achievement gap between low-income and middle-class students, highlighting the interdependence of housing and education.

The Economic Toll of Exclusionary Zoning: Zoning-induced housing costs also hinder labor mobility, preventing workers from accessing high-wage opportunities typically concentrated in coastal cities. This barrier to mobility has severe repercussions for the overall economic productivity of the nation and hampers individual and family aspirations. Studies indicate that restrictive land-use regulations impose a substantial economic cost, estimated to be at least 2% of national output, or approximately $400 billion. By relaxing housing restrictions in high-productivity cities, more workers could move there, leading to a significant rise in average wages nationally.

Building Bridges for Democracy: Exclusionary zoning perpetuates segregation based on income, education, race, ethnicity, and political affiliation, undermining American democracy. When people from diverse backgrounds are unable to interact as neighbors or classmates, it becomes easier to foster divisiveness and demonize those with differing viewpoints. To nurture a more inclusive society, it is essential to dismantle the walls created by exclusionary zoning policies.

The Path to Affordable Housing: A Call for Change: Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. The research consensus regarding the harmful effects of exclusionary zoning has gradually shifted the political landscape, enabling reform to take place. Several cities and states, including those in Greater Pasadena, have already implemented zoning changes to allow for more diverse housing options. By legalizing “missing middle” housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units