Equity Tools

Land Use and Environment

  • public://brownfields.jpg

    Brownfields

    Encourages redevelopment of brownfields -- abandoned, idled, or underutilized commercial or industrial sites. (Created July 2007)

  • public://commercial-linkage-strategies.jpg

    Commercial Linkage Strategies

    A range of programs and fees that tie economic development to the construction of affordable housing. (Created July 2002)

  • public://commercial-stabilization.jpg

    Commercial Stabilization

    Techniques employed by organizations to preserve cultural organizations and longstanding commercial enterprises that define the historic character of communities. (Created July 2002)

  • public://community-land-trusts.jpg

    Community Land Trusts

    This alternative property ownership model encourages permanent affordability and wealth-building. (Created June 2001)

  • public://community-mapping.jpg

    Community Mapping

    Mapping can be used to advocate for community benefits, convey development opportunities, track vacant properties, and more. (Created April 2001)

  • public://community-reinvestment-act.jpg

    Community Reinvestment Act

    Congressional mandate that financial institutions help meet credit needs of the communities in which they operate. (Created November 2001)

  • public://developers-exactions.jpg

    Developers Exactions

    Requires new commercial developments to contribute fees to the development of affordable housing, community services and infrastructure. (Created February 2002)

  • public://foreclosed-properties.jpg

    Foreclosed Properties

    Use this tool to steer neighborhoods back to sustainable recovery after foreclosure processes are well underway. (Created July 2009)

  • public://housing-trust-fund.jpg

    Housing Trust Funds

    Public funds, established by legislation, ordinance or resolution, to receive specific revenues dedicated to affordable housing development. (Created June 2001)

  • public://inclusionary-zoning.jpg

    Inclusionary Zoning

    Land use regulation mandating a percentage (usually 15-20%) of the housing units in all larger projects be affordable to people of low and moderate incomes. (Created 2003) 

  • public://infill-incentives.jpg

    Infill Incentives

    Infill incentives can produce new housing units, reduce blight, preserve open space, reduce traffic, and encourage retail development that serves the needs of existing residents. (Created March 2002)

  • public://real-estate-transfer-taxes.jpg

    Real Estate Transfer Taxes

    Techniques through which tax regulations can limit two destabilizing practices in low- and moderate-income communities: delinquency and speculation. (Created January 2003)

  • public://transit-oriented-development_0.jpg

    Transit Oriented Development

    How to implement TOD -- mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented communities located around public transit stations -- in a way that achieves equity goals. (Created April 2008)