The hottest trend in American cities? Zoning reform

By Laurel Wamsley

Published February 17, 2024 at 11:07 AM EST

The rules that dictate what can be built and where were often meant to be exclusionary, experts say. With homes too few and rents too high, many cities are loosening rules to encourage more housing.

Laurel Wamsley

Laurel Wamsley is a reporter for NPR's News Desk. She reports breaking news for NPR's digital coverage, newscasts, and news magazines, as well as occasional features. She was also the lead reporter for NPR's coverage of the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.

See stories by Laurel Wamsley

Stories From This Author

More homes are finally hitting the spring market. Will buyers take the plunge?

Laurel Wamsley

After a couple extremely slow years, more inventory is finally hitting the market this spring. But buyers might be put off by high prices and an unsteady economy.
Spring homebuying season is warming up. Here's what to watch for

Laurel Wamsley

Home sales have been way down for the last two years. Aspiring homeowners may be acclimating to higher mortgage rates. But fears about the economy could chill the market.
Why leadership changes at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are raising big concerns

Laurel Wamsley

After a leadership shakeup at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, a look at what's ahead for the giant firms and how the changes could affect mortgage affordability.

吉彩网网站

The hottest trend in American cities? Zoning reform