Housing Policy Library
Policy Framework
Each write-up provides an introduction to key policy components and considerations and links to materials providing more information. These policies are organized into a series of categories and sub-categories that correspond to key roles that are executed by local housing policy. Click on the policy name to access the policy description. The categories and sub-categories together comprise our housing policy framework.
I. Create and preserve dedicated affordable housing units
Establishing incentives or requirements for affordable housing
Tax abatements or exemptions Reduced parking requirements for qualifying developments Reduced or waived fees for qualifying projects Expedited permitting for qualifying projects Density bonuses Inclusionary zoning
Generating revenue for affordable housing
Housing trust funds Dedicated revenue sources General obligation bonds for affordable housing Tax increment financing Employer-assisted housing programs Increased use of multifamily private activity bonds to draw down 4 percent LIHTCs State tax credits for affordable housing Housing finance agency reserves Linkage fees/affordable housing impact fees Demolition taxes and condominium conversion fees Transfers of development rights
Supporting affordable housing through subsidies
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Capital subsidies for affordable housing developments Below-market financing of affordable housing development Operating subsidies for affordable housing developments Project-basing of Housing Choice Vouchers Acquisition and operation of moderate-cost rental units
Preserving existing affordable housing
Expanding the availability of affordable housing in resource-rich areas
Targeted efforts to create and preserve dedicated affordable housing in resource-rich areas Targeted efforts to expand the supply of rental housing and lower-cost housing types in resource-rich areas Regional collaboration to support the development of affordable housing in resource-rich areas
Creating durable affordable homeownership opportunities
Facilitating the acquisition or identification of land for affordable housing
II. Align housing supply with market and neighborhood housing conditions
Planning
Reducing development costs and barriers
Zoning changes to allow for higher residential density Reduced parking requirements Zoning changes to facilitate the use of lower-cost housing types Streamlined development approval permitting processes Reforms to construction standards and building codes Housing rehabilitation codes Streamlined environmental review processes Changes to increase the predictability of the regulatory process Reductions in impact fees and exactions Increases in the supply of buildable land by expanding growth boundaries
Creating incentives for new development or redevelopment
Tax incentives for new construction and substantial rehabilitation Land value taxation Incentives to encourage the development of lower-cost housing types Brownfield remediation and development Appraisal gap financing
Dealing with vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties
III. Help households access and afford private-market homes
Providing tenant-based rental assistance
Housing choice vouchers HOME tenant-based rental assistance State- or local-funded tenant-based rental assistance Security deposit/ first month’s rent assistance
Promoting mobility for housing choice voucher holders
Increased voucher payment standards in high-cost areas Mobility counseling for housing voucher holders Landlord recruitment and retention
Reducing barriers to homeownership
Housing education and counseling Downpayment and closing cost assistance Asset-building programs Shared appreciation mortgages Subsidized home mortgages Small balance home mortgages Discounted sales of city-owned property
Reducing energy use and costs
Combatting housing discrimination
IV. Protect against displacement and poor housing conditions
Enhancing renters’ housing stability
“Just cause” eviction policies Eviction prevention programs Legal assistance for at-risk renters Rent regulation Protection from condominium conversions
Enhancing homeowners’ housing stability
Enhancing community stability
Stabilizing high-poverty neighborhoods through a mixed-income approach Insurance against property value decline
Improving quality of both new and existing housing
Housing and building codes Code enforcement Lead abatement Assistance for home safety modifications Homeowner rehabilitation assistance programs Weatherization assistance
Ensuring the ongoing viability of unsubsidized affordable rental properties
Complementary policies
In addition to housing policy tools, we recommend that cities, towns, and counties consider ways to link housing policies with complementary policies in the areas of health, education, transportation, and the environment to address important societal concerns. For more information, visit the Bridge section of the website.
