An “All of the Above” Strategy for Affordable Housing.

VISION.

An important part of the American’s social contract with its citizens is that everyone can reside in an adequate, safe and sanitary home that is affordable. The vision is of a city program that focuses its attention and resources on the goal of increasing the affordability of housing for all of its citizens.

STRATEGY.

The strategy for achieving the of vision housing affordability for all city residents is to use all of the tools and programs available. The two strategic objectives call for city programs aimed at families in need and developers/builders with “qualified” projects.

The first strategic thrust is to enable families to have the resources necessary to afford a reasonable home – house or apartment. Their “net home buying power” must increase to align with housing costs. “Net home buying power” is the combination of wages earned less the operating costs of a home, namely utilities, taxes, insurance and maintenance. City action programs can address each of these elements as discussed below.