Solutions to the Affordable Housing Shortage

Marla Manor Affordable Apartments (Client: Rose CDC)

Affordable housing is more than just a roof over someone’s head.

It is a vital component of social and economic well-being, especially for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. Affordable housing can provide stability, security, dignity, and opportunity for people who otherwise struggle to meet their basic needs. It can also benefit the whole community by reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, enhancing educational attainment, and fostering economic development.

To address this crisis, we need to implement a range of solutions that increase the availability and accessibility of affordable housing for those who need it most. Some of these solutions include:

Preserving existing affordable housing units that are at risk of being lost due to deterioration, conversion, or expiration of subsidies. Preserving affordable housing can prevent displacement, maintain neighborhood diversity, and leverage existing infrastructure.

Reforming land use and zoning policies that limit the supply and diversity of housing options. Zoning reforms can encourage higher density, mixed-use, and inclusionary development that create more affordable and livable communities

Increasing public and private investment in affordable housing production and preservation. Investment can come from various sources, such as federal grants, state bonds, local taxes, philanthropy, or social impact bonds. Investment can leverage additional resources through partnerships, incentives, or tax credits.

These are just some of the possible solutions to the affordable housing shortage. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, as different communities have different needs and preferences. However, by working together across sectors and levels of government, we can create more affordable housing opportunities for all Oregonians and beyond. Affordable housing is not only a human right but also a smart investment that pays off for everyone in the long run.

For more details on Propel’s role as a mixed-use / affordable apartment architect on other multifamily work, please visit this page.