To address housing shortages and housing affordability crises, state and local governments are increasingly looking to zoning code reform to enable housing types beyond single-family homes to be built in their communities. But how much do these policies alone improve access to housing for all, and what else do policymakers need to consider to create sustained and significant positive change in our housing markets? Join the Urban Institute and guests as we discuss how states and localities have embraced zoning reform, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of upzoning, and other policies that should be paired with zoning reform to achieve racial equity and social mobility through housing. The event will feature a dialogue among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates about the main barriers to passing and enacting zoning and other types of pro-housing reforms and strategies to overcome them. Our speakers will draw from their expertise and knowledge about places like Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Chicago, Illinois; Austin, Texas; and Charlottesville and Alexandria, Virginia. 

Presentation by:

• Mark Treskon, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute
• Jorge González-Hermoso, Research Associate, Urban Institute

Panel Speakers:

• Angela D. Brooks, President, American Planning Association; Director, Illinois Office, Corporation for Supportive Housing
• Yonah Freemark, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute
• Alyia Gaskins, Councilwoman, Alexandria, Virginia
• Dan Rosensweig, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville
• Christina Plerhoples Stacy, Principal Research Associate, Urban Institute (moderator)
   

This event is available for in-person or virtual participation. Please be sure to register correctly. In-person check-in will begin at 3:00 p.m. A reception with food and drinks will be offered from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.

Support for this event is provided by Habitat for Humanity. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/our-funding