The Hill columnists name four benefits of affordable housing
Affordable housing in the United States should be viewed not only as a way to reduce rent or housing costs, but also as a tool for economic development, improved health, community safety and reducing environmental impact. This position was expressed in a column for The Hill by adjunct professor Michael Shank and Boulder County sustainability director Susie Strife.
The authors noted that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed by Congress contains measures for the housing market, including limits on the number of homes investors can buy and faster approval of pre-approved projects. At the same time, in their view, the document will not have a significant impact on home purchase prices and rents.
Local-level solutions
Shank and Strife believe that key decisions on affordable housing are often made by cities and counties responsible for zoning, construction permits, redevelopment and building codes. Among possible approaches, they named the use of vacant lots, conversion of abandoned buildings into housing and the use of land banks.
According to the authors, excessive household spending on housing reduces funds available for other needs and makes it harder for businesses to find and retain workers. They recalled the common benchmark according to which housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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Health, communities and the environment
The authors stressed that affordable housing must be safe, healthy and energy-efficient. They link inadequate housing conditions to respiratory infections, asthma, lead poisoning, injuries and mental health problems. According to data cited in the column, more than 300,000 new affordable apartments have recently been built in the United States, while Seattle and New York each added more than 14,000 such housing units.
Shank and Strife also drew attention to combining affordable rentals with opportunities to buy homes. In their assessment, housing stability, fewer neglected properties and redevelopment of existing buildings can support the local economy, civic engagement and neighborhood safety.
Converting underused commercial buildings into housing, the authors believe, reduces waste and the need for new construction. They noted that the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so redevelopment and reuse of buildings can simultaneously support housing affordability and climate goals.
