Housing and community development

Overview

Affordable, stable, and safe housing is foundational to individual and family well-being. Children who grow up in safe and stable housing are more likely to enter kindergarten ready to learn, succeed in elementary and middle school, and graduate from high school. Adults living in stable housing are more likely to complete post-secondary training and obtain and keep high-quality employment. And lower-income individuals living in mixed-income neighborhoods tend to experience better outcomes at all life stages.

Community development strategies focus on improving the economic opportunities, physical infrastructure, environmental quality, and social capital of communities. These strategies can improve family well-being and neighborhood quality, which promote better mobility outcomes at all life stages.

Evidence-based strategies

Helping low- and moderate-income households access private market housing
Supportive neighborhoods
Tracking, demolishing, and beautifying vacant or abandoned properties and lots
Supportive neighborhoods
Providing low-income residents with broadband internet access, hardware subsidies, and digital skills classes
High-quality employment Stable and healthy families Supportive neighborhoods
Stimulating neighborhood economies through physical improvements and supports for new and existing businesses
Supportive neighborhoods
Using legislative, operational, and financial methods to facilitate the construction of more affordable housing
Stable and healthy families Supportive neighborhoods
Increasing housing stability for tenants at risk of displacement and homelessness
Stable and healthy families Supportive neighborhoods
Leveraging government procurement to improve public services and support small and minority- and women-owned businesses
High-quality employment Racial equity in government
Using legislative, regulatory, and operational levers to create conditions for more housing supply
Supportive neighborhoods
Ensuring that existing affordable homes and rental units remain safe, healthy, and high-quality
Stable and healthy families Supportive neighborhoods Kindergarten readiness
Improving physical and mental health, creating opportunities for residents to interact with each other, and building climate resilience.
Supportive neighborhoods
Connecting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with stable, unconditional housing and support services
Supportive neighborhoods
Making public transit accessible through physical infrastructure, service improvements, and financial supports
Supportive neighborhoods
Maximizing the number of people — including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians — who can safely and efficiently utilize public streets and thoroughfares
Supportive neighborhoods