Key to the City

An eye-opening exploration of one of the little-known levers that control our world—zoning codes—and a call-to-arms for using them to improve society at every level

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Zoning codes have become the most significant regulatory power of local government, determining how citizens experience their cities. Yet zoning remains invisible. In Key to the City, legal scholar and architect Sara C. Bronin reveals the impact of zoning—for good and ill—in cities across the US, from Hartford to Baltimore and Las Vegas to Chicago. Outdated zoning codes have maintained racial segregation, prioritised cars over people and enabled great ecological harm. As Bronin argues, once we recognise the power of zoning, we can harness it to instead create walkable and vibrant communities, resist the monotonous effects of suburban sprawl, integrate design elements that inspire delight and ensure that everyone has access to affordable housing, public transportation and healthy food. Key to the City demystifies the invisible force shaping our communities and puts forward a practical and energising vision for how we can reimagine them.