Inclusionary zoning policies in California: a cost-benefit analysis from the perspective of local government officials

This thesis provides a qualitative examination of the costs and benefits of local inclusionary zoning (IZ) policies in California. Such policies rose in popularity in the 1970s to address the shortage of affordable housing and concentration of poverty in the United States. Recently, local governments in California have weakened or eliminated such regulations. This thesis provides a qualitative assessment of the costs and benefits of IZ policies from the perspective of local government officials to illuminate why cities and counties in California have recently started to reconsider the once popular affordable housing tool. My findings indicate IZ policies impose local costs while generating regional benefits. Thus, I provide two recommendations to strengthen local IZ policies in California. First, I argue local governments should adopt affordable housing development fees. Secondly, I suggest the state adopt and enforce a mandatory inclusionary housing program policy.