Race Neutral Land Use Rules Perpetuate Housing Segregation

Local land use regulations, seemingly race- neutral, contribute significantly to residential segregation. Using data from cities across the U.S., particularly analyzing patterns in California precincts, this study demonstrates that stricter rules are disproportionately supported by whiter communities and help maintain racial homogeneity over time. Key findings include:

• Whiter cities exhibit more restrictive land use policies.
• Federal fair housing lawsuits influence changes to these regulations.
• Neighborhood demographics drive support for restrictions on development.