Strategies from the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook
Finance Tools for Housing Abundance
Despite a shifting political environment, planners can still support their communities in securing funding for local reforms that increase housing abundance.
Taking inventory of all allowable financial tools and programs available is the first step in developing a funding strategy that supports the production, preservation, and improvement of the local housing supply.
Here are four tips to explore the wide variety of financial tools available, and a look at how some communities are already using these tips to their advantage.
Funding Strategies for Housing Abundance
Explore financial tools and programs at the federal level
While planners are bracing for potential cuts and policy shifts in funding to federal programs for housing and community development, there are still opportunities to finance housing efforts through federal funding that should not be ignored. Grant programs like Pathways to Reducing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing), the HOME program, and Section 108 loan guarantees for adaptive reuse and commercial conversions remain in play as opportunities for planners to secure funding.
The Trump administration has issued an executive order prioritizing housing supply, an issue that is also top of mind for many localities. There may be opportunities for planners to align local projects with federal priorities to leverage housing tax credits and other resources like those above for planning efforts.
Additionally, some federal programs that address related areas like infrastructure can be innovative ways to ensure infrastructure projects include funds for associated housing efforts, such as transit-oriented housing development, to ease workforce housing needs. Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan guarantees can now also be used to support housing near transit.
Survey financial tools and programs at the state level
States often serve as the administrators for various federal housing funds directed to local governments. Additionally, they allocate financial resources to local governments, such as tax credits and grants, that can advance local housing initiatives.
An increasing number of states are providing capacity-building and technical assistance grants for zoning reform. In some cases, these grants can provide additional fiscal support for housing and housing-supportive infrastructure.
State-level housing trust funds are another way to allocate resources for the production and preservation of housing at the local level. Funding from the housing trust fund can address various local housing needs while being aligned with state regulations.
Planners should contact and engage with their state housing finance office — an often invaluable resource that can support communities in finding and accessing both state and federal housing assistance — to explore these opportunities and more.
Check out 4 tips for exploring state-level funding for housing supply
Examine financial tools and programs at the local level
Every level of government is working to address the housing crisis, including your local government. Make sure you don't forget to take stock of all policies and programs available at the local level to fund local housing initiatives. This may include incentives, tax abatements, local housing trust funds, and bonds that can finance housing development.
Explore private and philanthropic funding
Consider partnerships with private, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic organizations interested in financing local housing initiatives. Bringing public and private stakeholders together allows for communities to understand both options and obstacles to increasing housing.
Planners should identify and reach out to organizations that align with the goals of improving and preserving the local housing supply, such as financial institutions, federal home loan banks, and local realtor and homebuilder organizations, to assess the opportunities for collaboration.
This approach is already seeing success across the country. Communities like Omaha, Nebraska, leveraged public-private partnerships to boost housing supply by layering funding sources to create a revolving loan fund for developing or refurbishing housing. Planners in Boise, Idaho, partnered with a nonprofit that builds affordable homes, often using donated land held in trust, to help keep housing prices low. And in Denver, Pallet shelters allowed for innovative "micro-communities" to boost housing supply fast.
Putting These Tools to Work
Many communities are already using these financial tools to their advantage. In Hood River, Oregon, lawmakers prepared an Affordable Housing Strategy to identify options for a more diverse set of potential funding sources.
On top of traditional funding options, Hood River explored establishing a new Urban Renewal District, which uses tax increment financing to fund identified priorities such as affordable housing, pursuing a General Obligation Bond backed by property tax increases, and using revenue from a 1 percent construction excise tax to provide developer incentives and acquire land for affordable housing. Additionally, the strategy identified partner funding sources available at the local, regional, and state levels to fund a variety of housing programs.
San Antonio also demonstrated a collaborative approach to addressing housing needs through a blend of federal and state funds, tax credits, bonds, and public-private partnerships, establishing their Strategic Housing Implementation Plan.
To meet housing needs for the next 10 years, San Antonio needs an estimated $3 billion, including $1 billion from local resources. In collaboration with the county, housing authority, and housing trust, the city leverages various funding sources to achieve its housing goals. By tapping into a range of financial mechanisms and partnerships, San Antonio aims to meet its housing targets and foster a sustainable and inclusive approach to community development.
Planning Expertise for Local Reform
As planners and elected officials look forward to increasing housing in ways that fit their communities, it is essential to consider all financial opportunities and tools available. Through a comprehensive vision for the future of housing, planners can lead actionable reforms that create stronger communities that include appropriate housing for all.
Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook
Finance your local housing supply
Learn more about strategies and tips for financing housing supply in your community in the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook.