Can a National Zoning Atlas Chart a Way Out of the US Housing Crisis?
January 29, 2024 by The National Zoning Atlas, a mapping tool led by Cornell University professor Sara Bronin, aims to provide a neighborhood-level view of zoning codes set by local governments across the US. The atlas has been instrumental in Montana, leading to significant pro-housing bills and showcasing the restrictive nature of zoning codes at a broader policy level. Connecticut has also created a statewide zoning atlas, revealing insights about neighborhood patterns and influencing zoning reform debates. Coupling the zoning atlas with census data has revealed that zoning contributes to income and racial segregation across jurisdictions. Despite the potential for zoning atlases to drive change, they face challenges such as the complexity of codes and the need for regular updates due to constant changes in zoning regulations.