Can We Make Housing Affordable Without Collapsing Home Prices? The Gregor Robertson Approach

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Understanding the Gregor Robertson Approach to Affordable Housing

Gregor Robertson served as Mayor of Vancouver from 2008 to 2018. His administration tackled the city's escalating housing crisis with a multi-pronged approach centered on increasing housing supply, strategically boosting density, and implementing targeted affordability measures. Robertson's core philosophy wasn't about directly controlling home prices, but rather about creating a more balanced market through proactive intervention. This involved a shift away from solely relying on market forces to address the issue of housing affordability in Vancouver.

Key policies implemented under his leadership included:

• Increased density in specific zones: The city rezoned areas to allow for taller buildings and more residential units per acre, particularly near transit lines. This aimed to increase the overall housing supply, potentially easing price pressures.
• Incentives for developers to include affordable housing units in new projects: Developers were offered various incentives, such as density bonuses or expedited approvals, to include a percentage of affordable housing units in their projects. This "inclusionary zoning" strategy aimed to integrate affordable units within new developments, preventing the creation of entirely separate, potentially stigmatized, affordable housing projects.
• Investment in social housing initiatives: The city invested significantly in building and maintaining social housing units, providing affordable rental options for low-income residents. This provided a crucial safety net for vulnerable populations.
• Regulations to curb speculation and foreign investment: Measures were introduced to attempt to mitigate the effects of speculation and foreign investment driving up prices, though the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate.
• Exploring innovative financing models for affordable housing: The city explored new and creative funding mechanisms to support affordable housing projects, making them more financially sustainable in the long term.

Analyzing the Successes of the Robertson Model

While a definitive conclusion on the complete success of the Robertson approach requires further long-term analysis, several measurable successes were achieved during his tenure. While the exact impact on overall home prices is complex and debated, the increase in housing supply likely mitigated further price increases.

Evidence of success includes:

• Number of new affordable units built: While precise figures vary depending on the definition of "affordable," a significant increase in the number of both social housing units and units created through inclusionary zoning was observed during this period.
• Impact on rental rates: Although rental rates continued to rise in Vancouver, the increased supply likely moderated the rate of increase compared to what might have occurred without intervention. Further research is needed to definitively quantify this impact.
• Success stories of families or individuals benefitting from the policies: Numerous accounts highlight families and individuals who gained access to affordable housing thanks to these initiatives. These anecdotal accounts paint a picture of the positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.
• Positive feedback or testimonials: While not quantifiable data, positive feedback from community groups and residents benefited by the increased availability of affordable housing supports the claims of positive impacts.

Addressing the Challenges and Criticisms of the Approach

Despite the successes, the Robertson approach faced significant criticism. Concerns included:

• Concerns about rising property taxes: Increased density in some areas led to concerns about strain on municipal services and potential increases in property taxes.
• Potential for unintended displacement of existing residents: The influx of new development, even with affordable housing components, raised concerns about gentrification and the displacement of long-term residents. This is a common criticism of many affordability initiatives.
• Challenges in balancing affordability with market forces: Balancing the goal of affordable housing with the realities of the real estate market proved to be a significant hurdle. The high cost of land and construction in Vancouver presented constant challenges.
• Criticisms from developers or other stakeholders: Some developers argued that the regulations and incentives were too burdensome or did not adequately compensate them for including affordable units in their projects.

Adapting the Gregor Robertson Model for Other Cities

The Vancouver model’s applicability to other cities depends heavily on local conditions. While the core principles – increasing supply, density, and targeted affordability measures – are transferable, the specific mechanisms need careful adaptation.

Key factors to consider for adaptation include:

• Adapting zoning regulations to local contexts: Zoning regulations must be tailored to the specific characteristics of each city, including its existing infrastructure, geography, and community preferences.
• Tailoring incentives for developers to local needs: Incentives need to be attractive enough to encourage developer participation but also fiscally sustainable for the municipality.
• Adjusting social housing investment based on local demands: The level of social housing investment should be adjusted based on the specific needs and resources of each community.
• Considering local political feasibility and community engagement: Successful implementation requires strong political will and broad community support.

Conclusion

The Gregor Robertson approach to affordable housing in Vancouver represents a significant attempt to address a complex issue. While it achieved successes in increasing the supply of affordable housing, it also faced challenges related to displacement and market dynamics. Whether it successfully prevented a collapse in home prices is difficult to definitively state, as many factors influence the housing market. However, the approach demonstrated that proactive strategies focusing on increased supply and targeted affordability measures can have a positive impact. The key takeaway is the need for a nuanced approach tailored to each city’s unique context. The quest for affordable housing remains a critical challenge. Learning from successful models, like the one implemented by Gregor Robertson, provides valuable insights into balancing affordability with market stability. By carefully considering these strategies and adapting them to specific contexts, cities can strive to create more affordable housing options without collapsing home prices. Let's continue the conversation on innovative solutions for making housing more affordable. Share your thoughts on the Gregor Robertson approach and how it could be further improved.