Press for zoning changes and pro-density policies in high-cost areas.
Run city and state campaigns to legalize more homes in more neighborhoods and reduce artificial limits on supply. Focus on reforms like allowing duplexes, accessory units, and mid-rise apartments, while pairing new supply with tenant-rights protections to reduce displacement risk. Use local decision windows to lock in durable rules, not one-off exceptions.
Why this works
- Unlocks private sector ability to build more housing where people need it, increasing supply organically; tenant protections prevent displacement in the interim.
RepresentUs
AdvocacyUniting across parties to pass anti-corruption laws
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow RepresentUs uses funding
- Map the highest-cost jurisdictions and the specific rules blocking new homes.
- Draft a simple reform package that expands allowed housing types and protects tenants.
- Build a coalition of renters, advocates, and pro-housing stakeholders to support the package.
- Engage councils, planning bodies, and legislators with testimony and constituent outreach.
- Monitor implementation and push fixes when loopholes or delays appear.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Target jurisdictions and rules identified
Discovery phaseA short list of priority zoning barriers and decision windows is agreed with partners.
- 2
Reform package drafted
Campaign kickoffOrdinance or bill language is ready and has coalition sign-on.
- 3
Vote pathway secured
Legislative and council phaseSponsors commit and a hearing or vote is scheduled.
- 4
Implementation monitored
Post-passageA public tracker reports permitting outcomes and identifies adjustments needed.