Seattle first adopted exclusionary zoning policies in 1923. Now, 49 percent of the city is zoned single-family—a whopping 65 percent of the 76 percent of possible acreage zoned exclusively for residential use. This three-part series on exclusionary zoning explores this complex topic, what we can learn from other fast-growing cities, and how we can make the American Dream a possibility for all.

Back in the day, the West Coast was expansive, idyllic—the land of the American Dream. But even then, we struggled with zoning, it just had a different name. A history of discriminatory practices negatively impacted marginalized communities for centuries. This three-part series on exclusionary zoning explores this complex topic, what we can learn from the shortcomings of those here before us, and how we can make this dream a possibility for all.

One of the most commonly asked questions we get from builders and home buyers is what third-party verification is and why it is required by Built Green for certification. Let’s explore how third-party verification came about and why it is so important and beneficial.