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
Density bonuses
Reduced parking requirements for qualifying developments
Expedited permitting for qualifying projects
Reduced or waived fees for qualifying projects
Tax abatements or exemptions
Inclusionary zoning
Generating revenue for affordable housing
Housing trust funds
Dedicated revenue sources
Linkage fees/affordable housing impact fees
Demolition taxes and condo conversion fees
General obligation bonds for affordable housing
Tax increment financing
Transfers of development rights
Support for employer-assisted housing programs
Increased use of multifamily private activity bonds to draw down 4 percent LIHTCs
State tax credits for affordable housing
Activation of housing finance agency reserves
Supporting affordable housing through subsidies
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
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. Promote affordability by reducing barriers to new supply
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 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
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
Shared appreciation mortgages
Subsidized mortgages
Reducing energy use and costs
Combatting housing discrimination
IV. Protect against displacement and poor housing conditions
Enhancing renters’ housing stability
Rent regulation
“Just cause” eviction policies
Protection from condo conversions
Eviction prevention programs
Legal assistance for at-risk renters
Enhancing homeowners’ housing stability
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.
