This critical course provides an in-depth analysis of housing markets, policy instruments, and the challenges of achieving affordable housing in diverse urban settings. It explores the economic, social, and political forces that shape housing outcomes, including issues of segregation, displacement, and homelessness. Participants will gain practical knowledge of policy tools such as inclusionary zoning, subsidies, and land trusts, and learn how to develop comprehensive, equitable housing strategies. The course is essential for professionals committed to addressing the ongoing housing affordability crisis and promoting fair housing.
Housing Policy and Affordable Housing
Urban Planning and Development
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive understanding of housing policy, market dynamics, and strategies for increasing affordable housing supply and access. Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Target Audience
- Urban Planners and Policy Analysts
- Affordable Housing Developers and Non-profit Staff
- Municipal Housing Department Officials
- Social Workers and Community Advocates
- Real Estate Professionals and Lenders
- Elected Officials and Policy Makers
- Students in Public Policy or Planning
Methodology
- Case Studies of successful affordable housing developments and policy innovations
- Group Activities: Analyzing a local inclusionary zoning ordinance and suggesting improvements
- Discussions on the political challenges of anti-displacement policies
- Individual Exercises: Conducting a basic financial proforma for an LIHTC development
- Expert presentations from affordable housing developers and policy advocates
- Role-playing scenarios: Navigating a contentious public hearing on a housing proposal
Personal Impact
- Master the economic and policy instruments used to create and preserve affordable housing
- Gain expertise in housing finance, including the LIHTC program
- Improve analytical skills for assessing housing needs and market dynamics
- Enhance ability to develop equitable and legally defensible housing policies
- Strengthen understanding of anti-displacement and preservation strategies
- Become a more effective advocate for fair and equitable housing outcomes
Organizational Impact
- Increase the supply of affordable housing to meet community needs
- Reduce homelessness and improve housing stability for vulnerable populations
- Facilitate economic growth by ensuring housing availability for the workforce
- Reduce litigation risk related to Fair Housing and exclusionary zoning practices
- Improve the organization's ability to secure competitive state and federal housing grants
- Promote more equitable and inclusive community development patterns
Course Outline
Unit 1: Foundations of Housing Markets and Policy
Housing Economics and Theory- The supply and demand of housing and the concept of market failure
- Economic analysis of housing cost burden and affordability metrics
- Understanding the "filtering" theory and its limitations
- The relationship between land use regulation and housing costs
- Historical role of federal/national housing policy and its legacy (e.g., public housing, redlining)
- Understanding the causes and consequences of residential segregation
- Fair Housing laws and the obligation to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH)
- The continuum of housing needs (from homelessness to homeownership)
Unit 2: Analyzing Housing Needs and Gaps
Needs Assessment- Methodologies for conducting a comprehensive housing needs assessment
- Analyzing demographic trends, income distribution, and housing stock data
- Identifying housing gaps for different populations (e.g., seniors, disabled, low-income)
- Data sources: census, ACS, and local market data for analysis
- The economic and social causes of chronic and situational homelessness
- "Housing First" policy model and other best practice interventions
- Continuum of Care (CoC) planning and coordination strategies
- The role of emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services
Unit 3: Financial Tools for Affordable Housing
Capital and Subsidies- Understanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and its structure
- Other key financing tools (e.g., HOME funds, state/local trust funds, bonds)
- The economics of stacking public and private financing for development
- The role of non-profit housing developers and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
- Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and rental assistance programs
- The policy rationale and impact of rent stabilization/control measures
- Programs to promote affordable homeownership (e.g., down payment assistance)
- Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and other shared-equity housing models
Unit 4: Land Use Policy and Affordability
Regulatory Strategies- Inclusionary Zoning (IZ): design, implementation, and economic analysis
- Strategies for reducing regulatory barriers to affordable housing production
- Streamlining permitting and approval processes for housing development
- Zoning for diverse housing types (ADUs, duplexes, missing middle housing)
- Strategies for preserving existing affordable housing stock from conversion
- Tenant Protections: Right to Counsel, Just Cause Eviction, and relocation assistance
- Mitigating displacement risk associated with gentrification and development
- Right of First Refusal (ROFR) policies for tenants and non-profits
Unit 5: Implementation and Equity
Policy Development and Practice- Developing a comprehensive, data-driven local housing action plan
- Strategies for effective public engagement and overcoming Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) opposition
- The ethical and political dimensions of housing resource allocation
- Measuring the outcomes and equity impact of housing policies
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