Mayors from around the country agree that more support is needed at the federal level to strengthen housing assistance programs.
A survey from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reflects the grim realities of the housing crisis, with data showing that nearly 7 in 10 Americans worry about their day-to-day housing costs. “The message from mayors is clear—the housing crisis is severe, widespread, and worsening.”
According to the USCM, “In the past three years, the median monthly rental price has increased by 18% and the median purchase price for housing has increased by 21%.” The National Housing Survey found that the housing shortage is expected to grow by more than 2 million units in the next five years. Many mayors indicated their cities are in the process of reforming zoning and land use regulations to encourage more housing production. “Nearly all mayors recognized the critical importance of offering diverse options, including missing middle and infill housing, to meet the unique needs of different individuals and families.”
Among mayors surveyed, “Nearly 90% called on Congress to build on existing federal programs: the low-income housing credit, housing vouchers, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and HOME program.”
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Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research