Getting Results from State Mandates for Housing and TOD

Several state legislatures have considered laws to address the underproduction of housing and the affordability crisis hitting communities across the country. And in some states, such laws have passed. But mandates to local communities about zoning and growth often are controversial. Local governments want control and the flexibility to respond to the nuanced local situation. They also are concerned about the resources needed to implement the mandates. Together, let’s look at the reforms and examine their contexts, hearing from those who advocated for change and those responsible for its implementation. Why are statewide laws necessary? What are successes so far and challenges that remain? How can implementing the new law not be a source of mayhem but an opportunity for stronger partnerships and action?

Moderator: Alex Brennan, Executive Director, Futurewise, Seattle, WA
Kamala Parks, Principal Station Planner, Stations Planning Group, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Oakland, CA
Anjali Kolachalam, Research and Policy Manager, Up for Growth, Washington, DC
Marc Draisen, Executive Director, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Boston, MA