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Many empirical studies show that zoning policies can change urban outcomes such as the location and density of new housing. Some also suggest a link between zoning and the rate of housing construction. Empirical analysis must rest on a theoretical foundation, so what can explain this outcome? What theory of when, why and how land is developed can tell us why upzoning will accelerate the production of new housing? This seminar surveys and appraises theories of new housing supply in order to help interpret the empirical record in relation to zoning, outlining open questions in the search for a coherent theory of supply.