About Housing
Housing is a very basic need for every individual. With the opportunities and challenges that come with growth and new development, the region must be attentive to how we address the housing needs of the region’s population while protecting our environment, supporting our economy, and enhancing our communities. Our success depends on ensuring the availability of a variety of housing types and densities, as well as an adequate supply of housing affordable at all income levels, to meet the diverse needs of both current and future residents.
Housing affordability continues to be a major challenge for the region. Housing costs are a greater burden for many households today than a decade ago, leaving less for other basic needs and amenities. Housing demand exceeds supply in many areas of the region, resulting in rising rents and sale prices. More and more residents are experiencing the strain of spending 30 percent or more of their income on housing, which is the US Census threshold for identifying cost-burdened households. Renters face a considerable shortage of affordable housing opportunities. With housing prices significantly outpacing income growth over the last several years, it has become more difficult for low-, and moderate-, and even middle-income households to purchase first homes. Homeownership rates for minorities remain well below the average rate for all households.
Finding affordable housing options near employment centers can be difficult for many workers. Low-to middle-wage workers, such as teachers, health-care professionals, retail workers, administrative personnel, police officers and firefighters, who are essential to the economic and social vitality of a community, often cannot afford to live in the places where they work. The imbalance between where people live and where people work can result in longer and more expensive commutes. More driving also leads to worsening air quality, including greenhouse gas emissions.
