Many cities across the country are realizing their role for the future of more affordable housing and creating innovative programs to spur more development. A new report from the National League of Cities, as reported here in US News and World Report, recognizes that need, pointing to an urgency for more collaboration for the right programs.
WITH DISCRIMINATORY housing policies remaining and affordable housing out of reach for millions of Americans, bipartisan efforts need to be made on a local and federal level, according to a report released Tuesday by the National League of Cities, an organization dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities.
The report, "Homeward Bound: The Road to Affordable Housing," examined factors that have led to current housing obstacles and outlined steps for local and national leaders to address the crisis.
It argued that a history of racialized zoning and exclusionary policies, such as redlining, facilitated the racial wealth gap and have exacerbated housing challenges.
"These patterns of racial discrimination in lending continue as, even today, real estate and financial industries deny low-interest loans to people of color at highter rates than they do to white people," according to the report.
Most Affordable StatesView All 13 SlidesIn recent years, forces in the economy have also exacerbated the housing crunch, forcing many families to spend more than 30% of their income on housing, according to the report. The cost of living has become more than many households can afford, causing too many people to forgo basic necessities just to pay their housing bill.
