Unveiling the Hidden Laws Behind America's Housing Crisis

Single-family zoning laws enacted in the early 1900s to protect homeowners and preserve neighborhood character have inadvertently contributed to the severe housing shortage in the US today. These laws, which restrict the construction of anything other than single-family homes in certain areas, have limited housing supply, raised prices, reinforced racial and class segregation, and hindered access to better schools and job opportunities. As a response to the housing crisis, some states and municipalities are rethinking their zoning laws, allowing for multi-family developments, accessory dwelling units, and affordable housing near transit lines. However, zoning reform alone is not enough to solve the problem, and additional policy changes, such as increased housing subsidies and protections for renters, are necessary to address housing affordability.