Mayors strike back: Evidence from upzoning in France

Guillaume Chapelle (), Julia Paul-Venturine () and Camille Urvoy
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Guillaume Chapelle: CY - CY Cergy Paris Université, LIEPP - Laboratoire interdisciplinaire d'évaluation des politiques publiques (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po
Julia Paul-Venturine: Universität zu Köln = University of Cologne, LIEPP - Laboratoire interdisciplinaire d'évaluation des politiques publiques (Sciences Po) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po
Camille Urvoy: University of Mannheim = Universität Mannheim, CEPR - Center for Economic Policy Research

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Abstract: While the decentralization literature traditionally frames policy design as a question of optimal authority assignment across governance levels, authority is often shared in practice. This paper studies strategic responses of local governments when a centrally imposed reform affects instruments they partially control. We exploit the 2014 nationwide abolition of floor area ratios in France, a housing policy intended to expand supply and improve affordability. Using detailed data on zoning regulations, building permits, housing density, and prices, we show that municipalities offset the reform by tightening other regulatory instruments remaining under their control, thereby offsetting the reform's intended effects.

Keywords: Fiscal federalism; Local political incentives; Upzoning; Land use regulation; Decentralization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-07
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-05329475v2
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