A Census of Inclusionary Housing Programs

September 16, 2021  

A Census of Inclusionary Housing Programs

The In Depth section on RBC takes a closer look at innovative state and local strategies, activities, and plans to mitigate the impacts of regulations on the development of affordable housing. Each In Depth article highlights a particular plan, ordinance, or strategy in the RBC database and elaborates on aspects such as the approval process, stakeholder participation, and the progress made in reducing regulatory barriers.

Inclusionary housing (IH) is one tool that cities have used to encourage the development of below market-rate housing, helping ensure equitable access to high-opportunity neighborhoods for low-income residents. A 2021 report from the Grounded Solutions Network summarizes trends in local IH programs based on data collected in 2018-19 from 1,019 programs in 734 jurisdictions across 31 states and the District of Columbia. The report finds that jurisdictions commonly employ a combination of mandates for below market-rate units and incentives for doing so, including expedited review, relaxed parking requirements, waived administrative or impact fees, or, most commonly, density bonuses.

Visit HUD User’s RBC In Depth page to learn more about inclusionary housing programs and other plans and initiatives that state and local governments have enacted to reduce impediments to affordable housing.