
These cities are changing the game with bold housing reforms.
Housing laws are evolving across the country, and these changes will reshape how we live, work, and interact in urban spaces. From zoning shifts to innovative housing models, cities are paving the way for increased affordability, sustainability, and accessibility.
This list spotlights 15 cities where transformative policies are taking effect, redefining the meaning of home and community in ways that might surprise you.
1. Minneapolis embraces single-family zoning reforms.
Minneapolis made history as the first major U.S. city to eliminate single-family zoning. In 2020, the city approved a plan allowing duplexes and triplexes on land previously restricted to single-family homes. This bold move aimed to address racial and economic disparities caused by exclusionary zoning laws. It’s already increasing housing options in historically underserved neighborhoods while providing an example for cities nationwide.
What’s particularly groundbreaking is how the city pairs this zoning reform with affordable housing initiatives, ensuring that new development doesn’t leave lower-income families behind. By removing barriers to higher-density housing, Minneapolis is promoting walkable neighborhoods and reducing the reliance on cars. Other cities are closely watching the ripple effects, from improved public transit use to a gradual leveling of housing costs.
2. Portland pioneers accessory dwelling unit (ADU) expansion.

Portland has long been at the forefront of progressive housing policies, and its recent push to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is no exception. By easing regulations and offering financial incentives, the city has made it easier for homeowners to add small, secondary housing units to their properties. This approach not only increases housing supply but also provides more affordable living options for singles, couples, and seniors.
What sets Portland’s ADU program apart is its focus on sustainability. The city actively encourages green building practices, ensuring these units meet high environmental standards. The policy has also empowered multigenerational living, where families can stay close while maintaining independence. Portland’s success demonstrates how creative housing solutions can address both affordability and community connection.
3. Seattle eliminates parking minimums for new housing.
Seattle has done away with parking minimums for residential developments near public transit, a significant shift in urban planning. This change reduces the cost of building new housing, as developers no longer need to dedicate expensive land to parking lots or garages. It’s also part of the city’s broader effort to promote public transit and reduce car dependency.
The benefits extend beyond affordability. By prioritizing housing density over parking spaces, Seattle is creating more walkable neighborhoods and freeing up land for green spaces or additional housing. Early adopters of this model are already reporting shorter project timelines and reduced construction costs, making it an attractive blueprint for other cities.
4. San Diego incentivizes mixed-income developments.

San Diego is tackling its housing crisis by requiring developers to include affordable units in new residential projects. Under its “inclusionary housing” policy, a certain percentage of units in major developments must be set aside for lower-income residents. This ensures that affordable housing is integrated into high-demand areas rather than relegated to the outskirts of the city.
The city complements this mandate with density bonuses, allowing developers to build taller buildings or add more units if they include additional affordable housing. These efforts are helping to balance the housing market while maintaining San Diego’s vibrant neighborhoods. Early results indicate that the program is fostering greater socioeconomic diversity in traditionally exclusive communities.
5. Boston caps rent increases with rent stabilization.
Boston has reintroduced rent stabilization to curb dramatic rent hikes that displace long-time residents. While not a return to traditional rent control, the policy limits annual rent increases for units in specific categories. The goal is to provide stability for tenants without discouraging landlords from maintaining properties or building new ones.
This policy comes as Boston grapples with increasing gentrification in its historic neighborhoods. By capping rent hikes, the city hopes to preserve its cultural fabric and ensure that middle- and low-income residents can continue to live in areas with easy access to jobs and amenities.
6. Austin embraces “missing middle” housing.

Austin’s adoption of “missing middle” housing policies is bridging the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes. By rezoning neighborhoods to allow for townhomes, duplexes, and small apartment buildings, the city aims to increase affordable housing options in areas previously dominated by single-family dwellings.
This approach is especially important in a rapidly growing city like Austin, where skyrocketing housing costs have pushed many residents to the suburbs. The “missing middle” not only fills a critical housing need but also fosters diverse, vibrant neighborhoods. Its implementation is being closely monitored as other cities consider similar zoning changes.
7. Denver adopts innovative land trusts.
Denver is tackling housing affordability with community land trusts, where the land itself is owned by a nonprofit or government entity, and residents purchase only the structure. This reduces home costs significantly while maintaining affordability over time, as resale prices are restricted.
The city’s approach helps ensure long-term housing security for middle- and low-income residents. It’s also fostering a sense of ownership and community investment, as residents have a stake in their homes without facing the full financial burden of traditional ownership. Denver’s model is gaining attention as a scalable solution for urban housing challenges.
8. New York City targets vacant properties for redevelopment.
New York City is addressing its housing crisis by converting vacant properties into affordable housing. Through tax incentives and streamlined approval processes, the city is encouraging developers to repurpose unused office buildings and other commercial spaces into residential units.
This policy is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world where remote work has left many office buildings underutilized. The adaptive reuse of these properties is not only reducing vacancies but also adding much-needed housing in high-demand areas. The initiative highlights how cities can turn economic challenges into housing opportunities.
9. Los Angeles implements Measure ULA for homelessness funding.
Los Angeles voters passed Measure ULA, which imposes a tax on property sales over $5 million to fund affordable housing and homelessness prevention programs. This ambitious initiative is expected to generate significant revenue for the city, targeting one of its most pressing social issues.
The measure is already funding permanent supportive housing for unhoused individuals, along with rental assistance programs for those at risk of eviction. While controversial among some property owners, Measure ULA represents a bold step toward addressing the housing and homelessness crisis in one of the nation’s most expensive cities.
10. Chicago invests in transit-oriented development.

Chicago is leveraging its extensive public transit system to encourage housing development near train stations and bus routes. By offering incentives for projects in these areas, the city aims to create dense, walkable communities that reduce reliance on cars while increasing housing supply.
Transit-oriented development has the added benefit of improving equity, as it often brings affordable housing closer to job centers. Chicago’s strategy is helping revitalize neighborhoods while promoting a more sustainable and connected urban environment.
11. San Francisco supports modular housing construction.
San Francisco is experimenting with modular housing as a faster and cheaper way to build homes. By constructing units in factories and assembling them on-site, the city is significantly reducing construction timelines and costs. This method is being used for both affordable housing projects and market-rate developments.
The city’s focus on modular housing aligns with its broader efforts to address its severe housing shortage. Early projects have shown promise, with residents moving into new units months earlier than traditional construction methods would allow. Modular housing may soon become a cornerstone of urban development strategies nationwide.
12. Washington, D.C. expands inclusionary zoning policies.
Washington, D.C., has strengthened its inclusionary zoning laws, requiring developers to allocate a higher percentage of new units for affordable housing. The city has also streamlined approval processes to encourage compliance, ensuring these units are delivered more quickly.
These policies aim to counteract the displacement caused by rising housing costs in the nation’s capital. By embedding affordable units in market-rate developments, Washington, D.C., is fostering more economically diverse neighborhoods, providing opportunities for lower-income families to live closer to jobs, schools, and transit.
13. Miami tackles short-term rental restrictions.
Miami is cracking down on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb to preserve long-term housing availability. New regulations limit the number of units that can be used as short-term rentals and enforce strict licensing requirements to deter illegal listings.
This policy comes as Miami faces a surge in housing costs fueled by the popularity of vacation rentals. By prioritizing long-term residents, the city is working to stabilize its housing market while still allowing for some short-term rental activity in designated zones.
14. Phoenix targets affordable housing with tax credits.
Phoenix is leveraging tax credits to incentivize developers to build affordable housing. These credits make it financially viable to include below-market-rate units in new projects, helping to address the city’s growing affordability crisis.
What makes Phoenix’s approach stand out is its emphasis on mixed-income developments, which integrate affordable units with market-rate ones. This strategy is reducing economic segregation while ensuring that new developments contribute to the city’s diverse housing needs.
15. Atlanta launches land banking initiatives.
Atlanta is combating housing challenges with land banking, acquiring vacant or abandoned properties to develop affordable housing. This initiative focuses on revitalizing underutilized areas while ensuring long-term affordability for residents.
The city’s land banking efforts also promote community development, as neighborhoods benefit from reduced blight and increased investment. By turning dormant properties into thriving communities, Atlanta is creating a model for other cities to address both housing shortages and urban revitalization in tandem.