The End of the American City
2 days ago
- #economic inequality
- #urban planning
- #zoning laws
- New York City's 1961 downzoning reduced zoned capacity from 55 million to 11.8 million residents, stunting urban growth.
- Post-1960, NYC's population stagnated, remaining near its 1960 level due to restrictive zoning policies.
- Urban downzoning policies across America have limited housing to suburbs, exacerbating economic inequality.
- Cities are crucial for the poor, offering both defensive and aspirational value, but policies have made densification illegal.
- The 1926 Supreme Court ruling against apartments in suburbs reflects a century-long trend of anti-urban policies.
- Zoning restrictions are a root cause of economic stress, limiting income mobility and living standards for the poor.