Documenting NIMBYism

Because much of the literature on anti-density "exclusionary zoning" involves suburbs, you might think that cities tend to favor development and density.  But according to a recent paper by Vicki Been of NYU Law, this is not the case.  The study examines rezonings proposed by the New York Department of City Planning, and shows that the city downzones property more often than it upzones. 

Why does this matter?  When the city downzones (that is, zones for less housing or commerce) that means a smaller supply of residences and jobs - which in turn means higher prices and more consumers forced into suburbia because there are simply not enough urban residences and offices to go around.