The main objective of this research project is to assist local governments to improve land use efficiency and equity through the review and evaluation of existing tools related to land use, transportation, and affordable housing. The research team will conduct a needs assessment to understand the needs of local governments and gaps of existing data and analytical tools related to land use efficiency, housing affordability, and gentrification. For this research, the team will conduct a literature review of existing tools, identify promising practices and missed opportunities of existing tools, and address the gaps that could inform the potential development of new tools. This project will provide information about the landscape of methods and tools available to local governments, specifically small to mid-sized cities across California, to evaluate the land use efficiency and equity within their jurisdictions. Overall, the findings of this study will identify the promising practices and missed opportunities of existing tools. Furthermore, the findings of this study will inform the potential development of a new tool or synthesis of existing tools.
