The Housing Challenge

We have a complicated and highly segmented housing system that doesn’t function well for families who need it. Historically, our region’s communities became racially segregated through intentionally racist housing policies.  This has led to lasting patterns of segregation and disinvestment that must be addressed through a regional and race-conscious approach to housing policy.

Over the years, various affordable housing programs have been developed to match new funding sources, and these programs often have layers of regulation and process, creating a complicated system. At the same time, a growing housing shortage and high construction prices are causing rapidly rising housing costs while incomes remain stagnant for many working families—especially BIPOC families.