In a survey published by Scioto Analysis this morning, 22 of 26 Ohio economists agreed that less rigid residential zoning codes in Ohio municipalities would reduce future cost of housing.
Economists who agreed with the statement pointed to single-family zoning and minimum acreage requirements as drivers of higher pricing, though said they could lead to higher quality of housing, too. None of the 26 economists disagreed with the statement, though four were uncertain, noting housing costs have many drivers and that reducing zoning restrictions will only drive costs down if there is demand for smaller and multi-family housing.
Economists were split on whether less rigid residential zoning codes in Ohio municipalities would reduce levels of residential segregation, with 12 agreeing with the statement and 13 uncertain or disagreeing. Those who agreed said it could reduce income and class segregation while those who were uncertain wondered about demand, rigidity of current regulations, and whether segregation reduction would extend beyond income.
The Ohio Economic Experts Panel is a panel of over 40 Ohio Economists from over 30 Ohio higher educational institutions conducted by Scioto Analysis. The goal of the Ohio Economic Experts Panel is to promote better policy outcomes by providing policymakers, policy influencers, and the public with the informed opinions of Ohio’s leading economists.
If you would like to suggest a question for a future Ohio Economic Experts Panel, email your ideas to panel@sciotoanalysis.com.