Скачать или смотреть Inclusionary Zoning, Empty Homes Taxes, and Housing Tradeoffs | ASTA – February 25, 2026

In this February 25, 2026 Ask Strong Towns Anything session, we examined inclusionary zoning and whether it actually delivers affordable housing. We took a hard look at inclusionary zoning and the broader question of how communities pursue affordability. Participants wrestled with a core tension: can mandates requiring below-market units actually increase access to housing, or do they shift costs in ways that reduce supply and raise prices overall?

We explored how development pro formas work and why developers do not “pay” for mandates. As discussed in the session, housing costs ultimately flow to tenants and buyers. Inclusionary zoning often creates incentives to build higher-end units to cross-subsidize required below-market homes, while producing relatively few units for the most vulnerable residents.

Members also shared real-world challenges. One participant described getting blank stares when explaining the Growth Ponzi Scheme to a council member, prompting discussion about clearer messaging. Norm shared a concise explanation used with new members, outlining how post-war growth patterns rely on new expansion to cover yesterday’s obligations, swelling long-term liabilities.

We also discussed:

• The five “immutable laws” of affordable housing
• Why housing demand is regional
• How transportation costs shape true affordability
• Vancouver’s empty homes tax and how it functions
• The Strong Towns approach to public investment
• Communicating complex economic ideas to local leaders