States Construct Bipartisan Consensus to Boost Housing

How states are tackling the housing supply and affordability problem

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States Construct Bipartisan Consensus to Boost Housing
How States Are Tackling the Housing Supply and Affordability Problem 

A national housing shortage has driven housing costs to all-time highs, leaving a record share of Americans spending more than 30% of their income on rent. Strict zoning and land use regulations have limited the availability of homes, especially lower-cost options such as apartments and town houses, which could help meet the nation’s housing demand.

An event, “States Construct Bipartisan Consensus to Boost Housing,” hosted by The Pew Charitable Trusts on Feb. 22, 2024, highlighted actions that state leaders are taking to improve land use planning and make homes more widely available and affordable. Attendees heard from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (D) and other officials from throughout the country about lessons learned, challenges, and ideas for progress as they tackle the need for more homes of all shapes and sizes.

As Americans face a national housing shortage and soaring housing costs, state policymakers are carving out a wide range of solutions. The discussion focused on actions that state executives are taking to improve land use planning and make homes more widely available and affordable. Attendees heard insights from policymakers—including lessons learned from their successes, challenges faced, and ideas for future progress—as they tackle the need for more homes of all shapes and sizes.

Panel I: Constructing Effective State Policy

Panel discussion with Chris Dorrington, Director of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and Chair of the Governor’s Housing Task Force and RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO of New York State Homes and Community Renewal

Panel II: Leadership for Abundant Housing

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek interview with Sue Urahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pew Charitable Trusts.