Upzoning is gaining popularity among planners and politicians in parts of the country as a tool for affordability. But some opponents of the idea maintain that new density will only make housing affordability worse.

"Housing affordability is a growing issue in America, and there’s a battle over how to fix it happening on blocks across the country. Zoning—the rules that govern how cities use their land—is on the front line," writes Diana Budds.
Chris Herbert, managing director of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, is quoted extensively in the article to explain the relationship between zoning and affordability: "There’s a hope that if we upzone this land worth one million dollars and now we can put two units on it, the land cost is $500,000 [per unit]….But as soon as you tell me I can put two units there, it’s going to affect the price of land since it becomes more valuable."
The article also references a controversial study published in January 2019 in the Urban Affairs Reviews journal, authored by Yonah Freemark, finding that upzoning near transit in Chicago increased land values, but not housing supply. Planetizen blogger Todd Litman included detailed analysis of that study in an article published in February 2019 on this same subject of upzoning, housing supply, and housing affordability.
This debate rages, however, as more states consider statewide density increases. "Because upzoning of single-family residential land is a relatively new phenomenon—and land markets and regulations differ from city to city—there are few studies that analyze the effects," writes Budds. "There is also very little data from pro-upzoning lawmakers on how many units their legislation can or would create, since the housing market is unpredictable."
So far, just Oregon and Minneapolis (Nebraska and Washington could soon follow) will be the nation's "guinea pigs" on the question of how effective upzoning can be for lowering housing prices, to paraphrase a soundbite from Jenny Schuetz included in the article. California and Virginia won't be joining the lead on the issue, after both failed to pass statewide density bills (although California still approved accessory dwelling unit legislation in recent years that has enabled a lot of residential construction in the state).
Key to the debate surveyed by Budds is the opposition of progressive housing groups who believe that upzoning can exacerbate the housing crisis for low-income and extremely-low-income households. In recent months, the group that has attracted the most attention on the issue is Moms 4 Housing, who, "protested California’s SB 50 because they believe the bill will lead to more luxury, market-rate housing and gentrification, and won’t do enough to help people like them in terms of affordable housing creation," according to Budds.
The article includes insight from numerous additional experts for assessments of upzoning's ability to lower housing prices by increasing housing supply, as well as recommendations for the most effective way to achieve those goals. Many of those quoted agree, like the views expressed in an article by Mike Eliason on the subject of Washington's HB 2780, that upzoning cannot be the only policy solution for the housing crisis.
FULL STORY: Will upzoning neighborhoods make homes more affordable?

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland