Increasing Housing Opportunity in New York City: The Case for Inclusionary Zoning

Report last updated October 29, 2004

A result of a collaborative effort betweethe Pratt Center and PolicyLink (a national nonprofit research and advocacy organization working to advance policies to achieve economic and social equity), this report describes how affordable housing can be expanded in New York City, citing successful examples from areas throughout the country. Increasing Housing Opportunity in New York City makes a strong case for inclusionary zoning (IZ) as a successful strategy for expanding affordable housing opportunities and creating mixed-income communities. The report was made possible through the generous support of the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation.

The report recommends:

Apply mandatory IZ to all neighborhood-wide zoning changes, and voluntary IZ to other areas where more density could be appropriate.
Instead of blanket downzonings, utilize balanced neighborhood rezonings with IZ to preserve neighborhood character while creating room for new mixed-income housing.
Design an IZ program that is economically feasible, serves a range of income levels, is permanently affordable, and encourages on-site development.
Balance the need for housing with the need to retain manufacturing-zoned land to preserve jobs.

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