Learn More About Housing
Learn More About Housing
Affordable Housing 101
This training provides an introduction to affordable housing, explaining key terms like AMI and cost burden while highlighting why housing affordability matters for individual well-being, community development, and local economies. It also outlines how local officials can support affordable housing through policies, funding strategies, partnerships, and community engagement.
Groundwork and Positioning
This training introduces local elected officials and staff to the process of conducting housing needs assessments by combining data analysis with community and stakeholder engagement. It emphasizes understanding local housing conditions, assessing capacity, and building partnerships to identify gaps and guide effective, inclusive housing strategies.
Development, Land Use and Planning
This training outlines the phases of the affordable housing development process and highlights how local elected officials can support projects through planning, partnerships, funding, and community engagement. It also explores housing types, regulatory tools, and development models—including community land trusts and public-private partnerships—to help address housing needs and expand affordability.
Housing Funding and Financing
This training introduces the fundamentals of affordable housing funding and financing, including the differences between for-sale and rental housing finance, how to identify and fill funding gaps, and how to build capital stacks. It also highlights tools available to local governments—such as tax credits, grants, local funds, and partnerships—to support housing development and preservation.
Housing Funding and Financing
This training introduces key local housing programs and emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships to effectively meet residents’ housing needs. It provides examples of successful programs, outlines the roles of local governments and partners, and offers guidance on designing, funding, and evaluating housing initiatives.
Local Housing Policy
This training provides an overview of local policy tools and strategies that support housing affordability and stability, including zoning changes, funding mechanisms, fee reductions, and tenant protections. It also outlines the role of local officials in implementing these policies and engaging in coordinated advocacy efforts.