Jill Warren

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the country, yet there is an alarming shortage of affordable housing across the state. The regulatory schemes of Connecticut municipalities only exacerbate the issue. Many towns and cities employ exclusionary zoning policies and regulations that make it difficult for lower-income households to reside in an area. A prominent example is single-family, two-acre zoning, which makes it difficult or even impossible to construct high density housing conducive to the creation of affordable housing. As a result of exclusionary zoning policies, Connecticut has effectively become economically segregated. This begs the question of whether exclusionary zoning policies violate the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination. Continue reading →