Affordable Housing/Inclusionary Zoning

This course will discuss the legal frameworks shaping housing policy in the United States, with a focus on affordability, zoning, and development strategies. It will examine the legal underpinnings of inclusionary zoning, affordable housing trust funds, builder's remedy lawsuits, and the Mount Laurel doctrine, a model specific to New Jersey but with broader implications, and explore how these policies impact municipalities, developers, and low-income residents. The course will also cover emerging housing solutions such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), mixed-use developments, and community land trusts (CLTs), analyzing their legal feasibility and effectiveness in addressing the national housing crisis.

Through case studies, statutory analysis, and policy discussions, attendees will gain an understanding of the regulatory landscape governing affordable housing. The CLE will also address recent legal challenges, fair share housing settlements, and the evolving role of federal programs such as Section 8 and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). 

This course is designed with attorneys, policymakers, and housing advocates in mind and will equip participants with the legal tools necessary to navigate and influence housing policy debates at the local, state, and federal levels.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify key legal precedents, statutes, and zoning regulations that govern affordable housing policies, including inclusionary zoning
2. Prepare legal strategies for representing municipalities, developers, and housing advocacy groups in fair share housing settlements, builder's remedy lawsuits, and zoning disputes
3. Discuss the implications of federal and state housing programs such as Section 8, LIHTC, and Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) in advising clients on affordable housing projects
4. Advocate for policy changes or legal strategies that align with fair housing laws while balancing community concerns and economic feasibility