Ecological Associations Between Inclusionary Zoning Policies and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prevalence: An Observational Study

Background: Providing an adequate supply of affordable housing has become an increasingly difficult challenge for US cities. Inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies have become an increasingly popular response. Substantial research has demonstrated the health benefits of stable, affordable housing. There is anecdotal but not systematic evidence that IZ policies may be associated with some health benefits of affordable housing. Methods: We rely on data from the 2017 500 Cities Project, the 2016 to 2017 Lincoln Institute for Land Policy survey, and the 2011 to 2015 American Community Survey. We perform bivariate tests and cluster ordinary least squares regression to examine associations at the municipal level between having inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies, the attributes of those policies, and the prevalence of several cardiovascular outcomes. Results: Cardiovascular outcomes and socioeconomic characteristics were uniformly better in cities with IZ policies. IZ policies were associated with lower blood pressure (95% CI, −0.50 to −0.13), cholesterol (CI, −0.89 to −0.31), and blood pressure medication (CI, −0.57 to −0.03) prevalence. Some characteristics of IZ programs such as being mandatory, prioritizing rental development, and allocating a larger share of affordable housing are associated with cardiovascular risk prevalence. Conclusions: Characteristics of IZ programs that ultimately benefit low-income residents are associated with favorable municipal-level cardiovascular health. Further, IZ policies could potentially address complex health challenges among economically vulnerable households.

The impact of inclusionary zoning on Toronto's neighbourhoods

Toronto has faced unprecedented growth in the condominium market over the last decade. Today, prices are unaffordable for many, leading to the proposed inclusionary zoning regulations by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in December of 2017. The proposed regulations would undoubtedly impact financial aspects of residential real estate development, setting aside a maximum of ten percent of units for affordable ownership. Nevertheless, the adoption of inclusionary zoning in Toronto’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law has the potential to provide affordable home ownership for designated low-income inhabitants. The goal of this document is to analyze the financial impacts of the proposed inclusionary zoning regulations on current land prices and condominium price per square foot assumptions. Key Words: Inclusionary Zoning, Affordable Housing, Toronto, Residual Land Value

The impact of inclusionary zoning on Toronto's neighbourhoods

Toronto has faced unprecedented growth in the condominium market over the last decade. Today, prices are unaffordable for many, leading to the proposed inclusionary zoning regulations by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in December of 2017. The proposed regulations would undoubtedly impact financial aspects of residential real estate development, setting aside a maximum of ten percent of units for affordable ownership. Nevertheless, the adoption of inclusionary zoning in Toronto’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law has the potential to provide affordable home ownership for designated low-income inhabitants. The goal of this document is to analyze the financial impacts of the proposed inclusionary zoning regulations on current land prices and condominium price per square foot assumptions. Key Words: Inclusionary Zoning, Affordable Housing, Toronto, Residual Land Value

An Economic Feasibility Analysis Of Inclusionary Zoning In Toronto, Ontario

The Government of Ontario has recently introduced legislation which would allow municipalities to implement inclusionary zoning, a policy tool which would require developers to include affordable housing units in new residential developments. This study examines the potential impacts that implementing an inclusionary zoning program would have on the decision making process of developers operating in the Toronto housing market. The author found that without sufficient incentives inclusionary zoning policies impact the financial returns new developments are able to generate. This paper concludes that in order for inclusionary zoning to be successfully implemented without causing financial hardship on developers, incentives such as density bonuses should be offered.

Affordable housing in Ontario : Challenging the Current Paradigm

Currently municipalities in Ontario lack the necessary legal and financial powers to secure a wide selection of affordable housing types, ranging in price and tenure. In other provinces in Canada, such as British Columbia, municipalities possess a greater degree of authority and flexibility to meet the housing needs of local residents. One mechanism which has proven quite successful is inclusionary zoning - a land use planning ordinance which attempts to secure a certain amount of affordable housing units at every new development. This paper advocates for a philosophical shift in the way affordable housing is conceptualized in Ontario. Since affordable housing is an increasingly complex issue with no simple solution, all tools and options must be surveyed and utilized to lessen the affordability squeeze.

Affordable housing in Ontario : Challenging the Current Paradigm

Currently municipalities in Ontario lack the necessary legal and financial powers to secure a wide selection of affordable housing types, ranging in price and tenure. In other provinces in Canada, such as British Columbia, municipalities possess a greater degree of authority and flexibility to meet the housing needs of local residents. One mechanism which has proven quite successful is inclusionary zoning - a land use planning ordinance which attempts to secure a certain amount of affordable housing units at every new development. This paper advocates for a philosophical shift in the way affordable housing is conceptualized in Ontario. Since affordable housing is an increasingly complex issue with no simple solution, all tools and options must be surveyed and utilized to lessen the affordability squeeze.

An Economic Feasibility Analysis Of Inclusionary Zoning In Toronto, Ontario

The Government of Ontario has recently introduced legislation which would allow municipalities to implement inclusionary zoning, a policy tool which would require developers to include affordable housing units in new residential developments. This study examines the potential impacts that implementing an inclusionary zoning program would have on the decision making process of developers operating in the Toronto housing market. The author found that without sufficient incentives inclusionary zoning policies impact the financial returns new developments are able to generate. This paper concludes that in order for inclusionary zoning to be successfully implemented without causing financial hardship on developers, incentives such as density bonuses should be offered.