Housing is Health: New Research Finds Relationship between Inclusionary Zoning and Population Health

A new study reports that positive population health outcomes are associated with inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies. The study finds that cities with IZ policies have a lower percentage of people physically and mentally distressed, compared to non-IZ cities. Cities with IZ policies had lower levels of unemployment and poverty as well. Additionally, IZ cities, geographically concentrated on the East Coast and West Coast, generally have more diverse populations. 

“While much debate remains over the impact of IZ and what needs to be done to address affordable housing issues generally,” write the study authors, “it does appear that IZ is an important part of the toolkit and that associated positive health outcomes constitute part of the reason why.”

Read study findings here.

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