One measure of a successful community is whether it provides an adequate supply of housing for residents of all levels of income and at all stages of life. The vitality of each community depends on how and where that housing is built.

Compact, mixed use and infill development near transit, jobs, shops, schools and other community centers can strengthen communities, expand housing choices and affordability and promote prosperity. On the other hand, sprawling “greenfield” development, without mixes of uses, tends to limit housing choices, segregate citizens by income level and force many to live in places that are far from their jobs. Poorly planned development also can negatively affect regional economic competitiveness if employers cannot attract workers due to high housing costs.

In this section, we describe ways that housing can foster comprehensive redevelopment, encourage neighborhood revitalization, improve air quality, reduce traffic and create more vibrant, livable communities.

Policies

Click here to download the entire Housing section of the Policy Guide (PDF).
Click here to download the entire Policy Guide (PDF).

Additional Resources

• National Vacant Properties Campaign
• International Code Council
• National Multi Housing Council
• National Housing Trust
• PolicyLink
• List of Housing Trust Web Sites (PDF) – U.S. HUD
• State of the Nation’s Housing (PDF)
• “Shared Prosperity, Stronger Regions: An Agenda for Rebuilding America’s Older Core Cities” – PolicyLink
• “A Greener Plan for Affordable Housing: How States are Using the Housing Credit to Advance Sustainability” (PDF) – Enterprise Community Partners
• Housing Trust Fund Progress Report 2007 (PDF) – Center for Community Change