California Air Resources Board

Principal Investigator/Author: Michael Manville

Contractor: University of California, Los Angeles

Contract Number: 20RD009

Project Status: Completed

Relevant CARB Programs: Sustainable Communities & Climate Protection Program

Topic Areas: Sustainable Communities, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction & Climate Goals, Land Use & Transportation Research, Climate Change

Research Summary:

This white paper reviews and characterizes current attributes of the California housing market, including rents and rent burden, racial and ethnic segregation, transportation, health, and more. Researchers conducted a literature review of the costs and benefits of housing development generally, infill housing in particular, and affordable infill housing where possible. A review of the performance or effects, in California, of various federal, state, regional, and local housing laws, regulations, policies, and programs is included as well.

Next, researchers estimate the net economic benefits of expanded infill housing production for a number of policy categories, including housing costs, transportation, public health, and climate change. Where possible, they discuss to whom economic benefits flow and costs accrue, such as unhoused residents, homeowners, low-income renters, taxpayers, and employers.

The white paper provides recommendations for the development, reform, and implementation of policies to expand the supply of affordable infill housing. It also discusses recommendations and best practices for communicating the economic benefits of affordable infill housing, helping public officials and others communicate the importance of policy and program reform, and building support for affordable infill housing across diverse groups.

Keywords: infill housing, affordable housing, transportation, land use, sustainable communities, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), rent, cost, public health