A new report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy takes an in-depth look at the affordable housing crisis. Over the last several decades, American households have spent an increasing portion of their income on rent, and today more than half of renting households are rent burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on rent. Even worse, 26% of households are severely rent burdened, meaning they pay more than half of their income on rent. However, local governments can play a critical role in the availability of affordable housing, and the report makes recommendations on how local governments can create appropriate housing policy to combat these challenges.

The report outlines a nine-pronged approach for local governments to address affordable housing issues. It suggests governments start by articulating clear housing objectives to identify appropriate policies followed by engaging with local agencies to create the most comprehensive approach possible. These agencies include the local housing department, public housing agency, planning department, tax authority, zoning commission, economic development agency and buildings department.

After creating this roadmap and partnering with agencies, local governments can begin to target appropriate legislative responses. As such, the next recommended step is to create a balanced strategy by addressing competing interests in housing. Often housing policies cater to select groups, either by focusing only on the development of affordable housing or by reducing barriers to development. Instead policy should address both market needs. Next, the report suggests working with a diverse group of community stakeholders, specifically people of color, low-income populations, and marginalized groups. This will have a two-fold impact: it will create a stronger housing policy and it will expedite implementation. Once the overarching goals have been outlined, governments should develop measurable benchmarks and reporting guidelines to ensure accountability.