In Connecticut, a report shows land-use regulations have stunted the state’s overall economic growth. That’s according to the School and State Finance Project.
In the 23-page report, nonpartisan researchers found that local zoning laws hurt the state’s economy by keeping young people out of the housing and rental market.
Data shows that 27% of high-earning households can be found in white and wealthy neighborhoods, compared to only 10% in other large urban areas. Nearly half of renters and a third of homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
Michael Morton is a spokesperson at the School and State Finance Project. He said local zoning laws have allowed communities to avoid building affordable housing projects that are attractive to young workers and people of color. He said these exclusionary housing practices only limit the economic development state, and contribute to racial and economic segregation.
The report recommends reforming land-use regulations to increase the affordability of housing that attracts a younger, more diverse workforce.
