Publications

This case study, one of three prepared by the Center for Housing Policy presented at the National Building Museum's How Housing Matters Conference, describes a long-standing program that uses secure and affordable housing, provided through voucher assistance and public housing, to improve residents' economic opportunities.

The construction of affordable housing provides clear benefits for families whose wages aren’t sufficient to afford market-rate housing. But research shows that affordable housing development also drives local economic growth. This fact sheet summarizes the different ways in which subsidized rental housing can contribute to rising employment and economic recovery.

Drawing on literature reviews published by the Center for Housing Policy in January 2011, this Planning Commissioners’ Journal article outlines the various ways in which affordable housing can create jobs, increase tax revenues, and generally foster economic growth. The article also includes an overview of several effective state and local strategies for developing affordable housing.

Order the publication from the Planning Commissioners' Journal

The primary goal of affordable housing is to lower the monthly housing costs for lower- to moderate- income families. But research shows that affordable housing development also drives local economic growth. This fact sheet summarizes the different ways in which affordable housing can contribute to rising employment and economic recovery.

This publication reviews recent studies that investigate the ways in which affordable housing can encourage local economic development.  The research reviewed in this brief demonstrates that building and operating affordable housing increases spending and employment in the surrounding economy, acts as an important source of revenue for local governments, helps local businesses attract and retain employees, and reduces the likelihood of foreclosure and its associated costs.