Why We Are “Pro-Homes”
DesegregateCT is now Pro-Homes Connecticut
We are excited to announce the new name of the DesegregateCT program: Pro-Homes Connecticut. This decision was made after many months of thoughtful conversations with our coalition members, key partners, and other community stakeholders in the pro-homes movement. After the success of hosting the YIMBYtown Conference and passing HB 8002, and with an eye towards implementing the new law with local partners over the coming months and years, we felt that now was the time to let our name reflect our broader mission.
Pro-Homes Connecticut’s mission remains the same: creating a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Connecticut for all through smart land use reforms at all levels of government. We believe that the name Pro-Homes Connecticut more accurately reflects this work and will help reinforce this momentum and expand our reach to new audiences without changing our mission or values.
Historically, segregation in housing, employment, and education was driven by practices like redlining and restrictive covenants that concentrated Black residents and other people of color in underserved neighborhoods and locked them out of economic opportunity. While many communities are still addressing the legacy of these practices, opposition to housing today comes from a variety of sources. Recognizing these broader challenges, pro-homes advocates need to use an “all of the above” approach–including building all kinds of homes, working at all levels of government, and connecting all related issues. This is how we move forward as a state, and we are thrilled to be part of so much local and state-level momentum for reform.
We look forward to continuing to partner with local governments and councils of governments on implementing strong reforms at the local level, push for more state reforms and state planning capacity with our legislative and administration allies, and building the pro-homes movement in Connecticut with advocates, coalition partners, and everyone committed to a better future for our state.
More on being Pro-Homes
We’re fighting for homes. A home is not just a shelter that you might rent or own. It’s also a portal to a broader community of people, ideas, and opportunities. It’s a connection to a place that has a past, present, and future.
To be Pro-Homes is to believe that a thriving economy, more equitable communities, and a cleaner environment will make Connecticut a safe and exciting home for all of us.
Connecticut has not been pro-homes. Many communities have closed that portal and severed those connections through exclusionary land use policies. Some of the people who support these policies think Connecticut won’t continue to grow or shouldn’t. They want to freeze Connecticut in an image that was simply not accessible for many people, particularly in communities of color. Everyone in our state suffers from maintaining the status quo.
Smart, well-researched changes to outdated land use laws are essential to people of all incomes and backgrounds having safe, affordable homes near jobs, schools, and other resources. With zoning reform, we can boost our economy, make our communities more equitable, and protect our environment. We can help the Connecticut we love flourish and live up to its full potential.
GREATER EQUITY
Let’s create equitable, diverse communities by reversing land use rules that cause segregation.
Racially diverse neighborhoods have lower income gaps by race, suggesting that more diverse neighborhoods can reduce racial disparities in access to grocery stores, child care, and vital services. Studies show that children of low-income families who live in income-diverse neighborhoods make more money, go to college at higher rates, and have measurably better life outcomes. Our land use laws exacerbate inequality, and our state is one of the most segregated places in the country. We have the opportunity to respond to this historical moment and forge the racially and economically diverse communities we want to live in.
INCLUSIVE PROSPERITY
Let’s create an inclusive economy by building housing people need and want.
Restrictive zoning, costly review processes, and arbitrary impediments have ensured our housing supply is at the lowest number of permits in a decade (just 3,335 in 2021). In part because these drive up prices reducing supply (especially linking supply and rents in low-income areas), one in six families in our state pay more than 50% of their income on housing. Our businesses constantly cite the high cost of living as a barrier for finding and retaining skilled workers. Yet Connecticut’s population is declining. Our land use laws prevent us from attracting and retaining racially and economically diverse populations. Why not further modernize these laws for today?
A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT
Let’s make a cleaner Connecticut by putting housing in already-developed areas, not forest and farmland.
Zoning laws that lock in sprawl make us use more land for housing - which gobbles up farmland and forest and pollutes our waterways. Connecticut’s land use laws are contributing to the international climate emergency. We can use existing streets, sidewalks, sewers, water lines, and stormwater systems. We can strengthen walkable communities while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. We can continue to reduce or eliminate costly parking mandates, which research shows leads to more driving. Check out a video of a “Land Use Policy is Climate Policy” panel that links zoning and environment.
Our Founder Testifies to the Legislature about the “Why” of Zoning Reform: