In order: 1) Yes. 2) More beneficial in limiting displacement only. No considerations of cost. Answer 1) Subsidized housing provides more benefit because it

In order: 1) Yes. 2) More beneficial in limiting displacement only. No considerations of cost. Answer 1) Subsidized housing provides more benefit because it provides immediate housing stock at lower prices, replacing any stock lost to luxury construction. It is definitely not cheaper or easier to build more - the same areas that need subsidized housing are the ones where housing in general is more expensive to build. Answer 2) Absolutely yes, zoning laws increase the cost of construction, leading to more expensive housing units. Explicit recommendations in favor of more affordable housing include: A) Removing parking requirements B) Allowing more density (more floors, smaller required sq. ft per unit - yes, this is a thing, and fewer yards, set-backs, etc.)