Promoting Inclusive Communities: How Cities Can Utilize Local Housing Policy to Combat Economic Segregation

This brief reviews the recent trend of intracity income inequality, which is rising at a faster rate than national household income inequality. While policymakers cannot fully control drivers of inequality and the resulting economic and spatial segregation, they can leverage housing as a tool to combat this concerning trend. Researchers recommend implementing affordable housing policies across cities, enforcing fair housing policies to prevent discrimination, and exploring alternative housing models like housing cooperatives or community land trusts. These suggestions can decrease the disparities in education, community resources, and economic productivity that segregated areas face to mitigate the vicious cycle of affluence flight.