Planning Affordable Housing and Neighborhood.

THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME-EXPENSE SQUEEZE.

The affordability of housing in America at the start of the 21st century is an issue for many households. The remedy is complicated since not only are housing costs out-of-whack, but other household expenses are also growing faster than household incomes can absorb.

A growing number of American families are struggling to meet their daily living expenses. The cost of housing is going up as is the cost of transportation, medicine, healthcare and education. Wages are stagnant. The wage/ housing cost relationship is getting squeezed to the point where two income earners per household is common; choices are being made about which expenses to put off or eliminate.