The lack of affordable, accessible, and high-quality rental units in the US has exacerbated economic and racial disparities. As cities and other jurisdictions look to implement housing policies for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, many stakeholders are skeptical about inclusionary zoning’s (IZ) ability to produce and preserve enough rental housing for renters with low incomes and renters of color. But how IZ policies are designed can affect localities’ ability to meet their housing needs. In this brief, we use document reviews and interviews with 23 housing advocates, policymakers, researchers, landlords, and developers to understand the key regulatory components of IZ and how they affect behavior and housing outcomes.