Program

Center for Zoning Solutions

The Center for Zoning Solutions is our home for the zoning reform movement. We share research and reports, lead federal advocacy efforts, and support communities across the country to tackle barriers to smart growth and advance policies to encourage mixed-use development and diverse housing options.

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The Center for Zoning Solutions’ work empowers people to create livable places, community health, and shared prosperity through zoning solutions, including form-based codes and other innovations.

We believe the built environment of our cities and towns must allow all people — regardless of age, ability, income, race, or ethnicity — to safely, comfortably, and conveniently access homes, employment, schools, shops, health facilities, and other destinations by foot, bicycle, public transportation, car, or truck.

To fulfill our mission, we work with communities and lead a national conversation and movement to expand the number of communities that have adopted smart growth and equitable development through zoning reform. We work to advance the zoning reform movement by providing technical assistance to local governments and communities, releasing research and reports, webinar series, and continuing to advocate for zoning reform at the state, local, and federal levels.

 

Direct community support

  • Providing technical assistance to local and state governments and community-based organizations to develop and implement zoning solutions that improve the quality of life of residents in their communities.
  • Host forums and via in-person convenings.
  • Work with communities to adopt and implement smart growth regulatory tools such as Form-Based Codes and other smart growth regulations.

Research and analysis

  • Offerings will include signature reports, articles, and research on the local impacts of zoning barriers and the solutions to these barriers.
  • Virtual education sessions will be offered, including a webinar series focusing on how diversity strengthens local economies.
  • CZS will continue to administer the Form-Based Codes award to uplift community examples that can be leveraged by municipalities looking to implement a form-based code in their local context.
Graphic showing "And the winner is..." for the 2021 Driehaus Award for exceptional form-based code

Form-Based Code Award

The CZS Form-Based Code Award recognizes outstanding form-based codes that promote urbanism and predictable street character. Award criteria include:

  • Innovation: Novel approaches to zoning and urban design.
  • Impact: Demonstrated positive effects on communities.
  • Replicability: Potential for adaptation and use in other areas.

Library of Codes

Our Library of Codes provides access to exemplary form-based codes, serving as a resource for communities looking to adopt best practices in zoning.

Contact us

For questions or to join our Community of Practice, email [email protected], or contact:

Toccarra Nicole Thomas, AICP, CNU-A: [email protected]