Housing Solutions Lab
To enhance local affordability. To foster inclusive communities.

Policy Insights

Please select any of the images below to access our policy insights.

Cash assistance for housing

Cash assistance for housing: Debates, emerging evidence, and open questions

Direct cash assistance programs are emerging as a promising tool to help households meet urgent housing needs, prevent displacement, and promote long-term stability. Our latest piece explores how local governments are designing and implementing these programs, along with key lessons for jurisdictions interested in using flexible financial support as part of a broader housing strategy.
Image of a man raising his hand at a community meeting used to illustrate community engagement

Engaging the community in a local housing strategy

This brief addresses barriers to community engagement, highlighting challenges like underrepresentation of renters and people of color in decision-making processes. It offers strategies for inclusive participation, such as task forces, partnerships with community groups, and web-based platforms. Featuring examples from U.S. cities, Local Housing Solutions emphasizes best practices and guidance to help governments design and measure successful community engagement initiatives.
Providence Rhode Island

Public developer models in the U.S. and beyond

The U.S. faces a significant shortage of affordable housing, prompting interest in social housing models that emphasize lasting affordability and collective ownership. Public developer models, where government entities take an active role in housing development, are gaining traction across the country. These models are seen in both U.S. cities and internationally in places like Singapore and Vienna. Local governments are exploring various financing and regulatory tools to make public housing development more feasible.
Home repairs being made on a home

Strengthening local home repair systems: Lessons from 14 U.S. cities and counties

As the nation’s housing stock ages and affordability pressures intensify, local home repair programs are becoming an increasingly important housing preservation strategy. This report analyzes how 14 jurisdictions are navigating challenges related to funding, coordination, and service delivery while supporting vulnerable homeowners. The findings offer policymakers and practitioners actionable insights for strengthening local home repair systems and advancing broader housing goals.

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