Expand Housing Affordability

Today, there are fewer low cost units than ever before, and one in five households pays more than half of their income for rent. As rents continue to outpace income for all renters, low- and moderate-income families face the most hardship, and many are now struggling to find affordable spaces to live. Multiple factors combine to put current affordable housing stock at risk, including the expiration of subsidies, an aging housing stock which requires large capital investments, and increasing market pressure. Search this category to explore accessory dwelling units, infill development, local housing bonds/levies, state/local housing trust funds, using publically owned land for housing, and incentives to promote affordability.

Manage Community Change

Gentrification often induces strong feelings. As demand increases for urban living more communities are facing the need to manage this in a way that takes advantage of the benefits of neighborhood revitalization while minimizing the negative impacts on vulnerable populations. Search this category to learn more about expiring use strategies, rental housing preservation, neighborhood stabilization, shared equity strategies, and code enforcement.

Leverage Land Use Regulations and Planning

Land use planning and regulations can one of the most effective tools for expanding access to economic opportunity and housing affordability. Demographic and economic trends creating an increased demand for alternatives to low-density, single-family detached housing. Leveraging land use regulations, planning, and rezoning provides opportunities for innovative and diverse forms of housing to meet the demands of an evolving household structure. Search this category to learn more about inclusionary zoning, expedited permitting, zoning for diverse housing types, and more.

Connect Housing and Education Opportunities

Improving education outcomes for low-income children is a topic of pressing concern for researchers, policymakers, and educators, especially in light of evidence that over time, the widening gap in test scores between children from rich and poor families and the growing divide between these groups in completed schooling hinder the socioeconomic mobility of low-income children. Housing can be a platform for academic achievement providing a stable environment where children access higher performing schools. Search this category to learn more about school/public housing authority partnerships, university/community partnerships, and more.

Connect Housing and Workforce

Connecting housing and workforce can benefit all stakeholders: shorter commute time and lowered housing costs save time and money for employees; improved employee morale, productivity, and retention reduce turnover and training costs for employers; communities can see better air quality, less urban sprawl, and decreased traffic congestion. Searching this category will yield a range of policies and tools including living wage provisions and employer-assisted housing/live near work policies.

Link Housing and Transportation

Communities increasingly recognize the importance of coordination between transportation planning and community development. As smart growth, mixed-use development increasingly occurs where transit is accessible, the elevated housing costs that result often price out moderate-income residents. Search this category for information on transit-oriented development, TOD funds, and other related approaches

Increase Health and Resilience

Improving health outcomes starts with thoughtful city planning and community development. Factors such as walkability, access to food, and availability to public transportation are elements that contribute to both individual and community health. Search this category to learn more about Topic areas include: support compact development patterns, food deserts, health and housing, and more.

Build Inclusive, Equitable Communities

Housing and community development efforts must address a complex network of individual, social, economic, and environmental factors in order to promote more diverse, inclusive communities and improve the sustainability of neighborhoods, communities, and regions. Through comprehensive community development, strategic planning, enforcement, and enhanced capacity building, communities can ensure that all residents can access opportunity. Search this category for information on fair housing, source of income protections, equitable development, and more.

Strengthen Community Capacity and Partnerships

Cross-sector partnerships and coalitions can help building the mutual understanding needed to address tough community or regional issues including housing affordability and access to opportunity. With structural capacity, these partnerships can also serve as vehicles for ongoing engagement and coordination. Search this category to learn more about effective public participation strategies, citizen training academies, youth engagement, and regional engagement strategies.