The issue of affordable housing in Connecticut is at a critical juncture, with experts linking its scarcity to restrictive local zoning laws that hinder the development of multi-family units across much of the state’s residential areas.
Advocates are urging state intervention for comprehensive zoning reform, arguing that municipalities have had sufficient time to address the problem without meaningful progress. However, opponents emphasize the importance of local control over zoning decisions.
During a recent forum hosted by the Partnership for Strong Communities, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas D-East Hartford and Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw D-Avon discussed the challenges facing housing reform efforts. They noted the political inertia surrounding the issue, with Rojas stating that achieving significant state-level changes is likely to be slow and complex, given the divided opinions among Democrats and the staunch defense of local control from many Republicans.
The urgency of the housing crisis has intensified as Connecticut faces a deficit of affordable units for low-income renters, with many families spending over a third of their income on housing. Rojas characterized the state’s progress as painfully incremental and highlighted the need for a shift from moral arguments to economic ones to foster political momentum for reform.
Kavros DeGraw added that years of inaction have led to a perfect storm of housing issues, exacerbated by the lack of political will and cumbersome zoning regulations. She emphasized the importance of education and advocacy to galvanize support for necessary changes, acknowledging the challenges posed by suburban Democrats who prioritize local control.
A central theme of the discussion revolved around whether to implement incentive-based approaches or mandates to stimulate affordable housing development. Rojas argued that incentives often lead to delayed progress and may not engage all towns. The idea of a fair share approach, which would allocate housing unit quotas based on regional needs, faces significant political hurdles.
The forum also touched on the moral dimensions of housing and zoning, with audience members underscoring the historical injustices tied to segregationist zoning practices. Ivelisse Correa of Black Lives Matter 860 pointed out that many communities were designed to exclude marginalized groups.
Rojas acknowledged the importance of addressing these moral implications but stressed the need for an economic framing to create actionable change.
Governor Ned Lamont supports increasing affordable housing, particularly in areas near public transportation, framing it as an economic advantage for Connecticut. The 2021 legislation banning the use of town character as a basis for zoning regulations marks a significant step toward dismantling barriers to housing development.
Ultimately, both Rojas and Kavros DeGraw articulated a vision for more aggressive policy changes, recognizing the need for a collective commitment to ensure that all Connecticut residents have access to safe and affordable housing. The challenges remain considerable, but the urgency of the crisis continues to propel the conversation forward.