Sunday, June 9, 2024

HOW ZONING SHAPES COMMUNITIES

THE GOOD, BAD AND HOPEFUL ASPECTS 

OF THE CENTURY-OLD TOOL THAT DETERMINES

EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PLACES WE LIVE, WORK AND PLAY


Jason Jordan, the American Planning Association’s (APA) public affairs director, emphasized that those who work in city leadership, planning and zoning must also address the reality that zoning often was used as a tool of bigotry.

“When we discuss zoning reform, we can’t leave out the exclusionary practices and racially directed practices. 

That has to be part of the conversation. 

We have to reconcile those ills and embrace environmental justice, the concept that land use has a role in breaking down artificial barriers that hurt marginalized people socially and economically.”

Beyond housing, land-use reform can also address climate change and transportation options. 

The Inflation Reduction Act gives direct financial support to communities that create a climate action plan. 

Vision Zero plans and Safe Streets initiatives in several cities are aimed at increasing pedestrian and bicycle safety, seeded by federal funds.

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