A Self-Assessment Guide for States Unnecessary or cumbersome building and development regulations contribute to high housing costs, discourage innovation, and limit residential options for lower income families. Although the design and implementation of such regulations are regarded as primarily local concerns, States also have an important leadership role to play. A Self-Assessment Guide for States, is designed to help States identify regulatory barriers and foster affordability and choice in local housing markets.
States are in a unique position to spearhead regulatory reform.
They are invested with Constitutional authority over land use, which they delegate in turn to localities through their own constitutions and enabling legislation. Thus, States are usually the sole entity with the jurisdiction to respond to regional housing and labor market imperfections. In addition, States have a direct interest in promoting attractive residential and business environments and in seeing that their tax expenditures on housing are used efficiently. Although most States are reluctant to intervene in local land use matters, they can be effective sponsors of education and technical assistance to encourage responsible regulatory reform. The guide recommends that States first determine the nature and extent of housing affordability problems within their jurisdictions.