Yesterday afternoon NMHC President Sharon Wilson Géno took part in an engaging discussion with other housing experts including national real estate organizations, community groups representing diverse communities and renter representatives on the nation’s housing affordability crisis, the lack of adequate housing supply and the need for policy solutions.
The intent of this gathering was to find common principles aimed at broadening housing opportunity that can even act as a guide for policymakers looking to implement a set of pro-housing solutions that will help increase housing opportunities across the country.
If there was a single takeaway from the conversation, it is that there is so much more agreement than disagreement among housing advocates representing all parts of the housing ecosystem. The housing challenges are a failure by the government to invest needed funds and create a pro-housing regulatory environment, as well as household incomes not keeping pace with the cost of housing. Exclusionary housing policies, many rooted in racial discrimination, and bureaucratic processes severely limit housing production. Funding for the production and preservation of housing, especially affordable housing, remains insufficient.
“Despite the challenges we face, I am very encouraged that a variety of housing advocacy groups are now coming together to provide guidance to policymakers on consensus housing solutions that will broaden housing supply, availability and opportunity,” said Sharon Wilson Géno, NMHC President.
“Unlike never before there is broad agreement that the nation needs greater housing supply. We have a unique opportunity at this moment in time to move these policies into action.”
Groups that are participating in this consensus process include the following:
- American Planning Association (APA)
- Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)
- Grounded Solutions Network (GSN)
- Home Forward
- Housing Assistance Council (HAC)
- National Apartment Association (NAA)
- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
- National Association of REALTORS (NAR®)
- National Housing Trust (NHT)
- National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
- National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC)
- National Urban League (NUL)
- Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF)
- Up for Growth (UFG)
- YIMBY Action
Based in Washington, D.C., the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) is the leadership of the apartment industry. We bring together the prominent owners, managers and developers who help create thriving communities by providing apartment homes for 38.9 million Americans, contributing $3.4 trillion annually to the economy. NMHC provides a forum for insight, advocacy and action that enables both members and the communities they help build to thrive. For more information, contact NMHC at 202/974-2300, e-mail the Council at info@nmhc.org, or visit NMHC's website at www.nmhc.org.
