Reversing 100 Years of Exlusionary Policy
1920s
The federal government played a key role in creating a housing market incentivizing exclusion.
Over the last century, incremental state and local housing and land use policy decisions have accumulated into a complex web of discriminatory systems governed by laws and regulations that make housing needlessly restrictive and prohibitively expensive.
2020s
Housing production remains constrained by its exclusionary roots. Discriminatory residential patterns resulting from harmful housing regulation are deeply embedded in our housing system. They perpetuate racial inequity and reinforce disparity by encouraging exclusive communities of single-detached homes, shutting millions out of high-opportunity neighborhoods.
Now is the time for the federal government to lead a new, more inclusive approach to housing.
Proof of
the Policy Problem
UNSUSTAINABLE COMMUTES
The share of commuters driving more than 60 minutes to work increased by 20% from 2006 to 2018
LEARN MORESTIFLED ECONOMIES
If the top 10 labor markets reduced artificial barriers to housing to median levels, it would expand the workforce and increase GDP by 9.5%
LEARN MORERISING HOUSING COSTS
37% increase in the share of middle income renters that are cost burdened from 2006 to 2018
LEARN MORESUFFERING BUSINESSES
1 in 5 business owners cite hiring and retention as their top issue, a direct link to workers’ ability to access their jobs
LEARN MOREENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Adopting a pattern of accessible growth could reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled by as much as 26% compared to current growth patterns
LEARN MOREEqual Opportunity for a Better Future
Research shows the neighborhood where an individual grows up is one of the strongest indicators of economic and social outcomes.
America faces a severe shortage of homes.
7.3 Million
This shortage is driving rapid price increases across housing markets putting pressure on existing housing inventory. The result is lower- income earners are forced to compete with middle income earners for a finite supply of existing housing.
Building homes just anywhere isn’t going to solve the problem. We need an Accessible Growth approach.
Accessible Growth prioritizes housing
production in areas of high economic
opportunity, areas that leverage
investments in transportation and
infrastructure, and where jobs
already exist.
We use tax, appropriations, transportation and infrastructure, housing, and environmental policy to…
EXPOSE
discriminatory policies and practices
REVERSE
exclusionary policies and artificial barriers to housing
REPLACE
with policies that drive accessible growth, promote inclusion and adapt to changing needs
Many Interests,
One Goal
Affordable Housing Developers • Affordable Housing Advocacy Coalitions • Affordable Housing Lenders • Anti-Displacement Advocates • Architects • Chambers of Commerce and CEO Organizations • Community Development Corporations • Community Development Financial Institutions • Councils of Governments • Direct Service Providers • Engineers • Environmental Advocates • Fair Housing Organizations • Financial Firms • Former Elected Officials and Policy Makers • Grassroots Pro-Housing Advocates • Homeless Housing Advocates • Housing Finance Agencies • Housing Innovators • Law Firms • Multifamily and Commercial Developers • Metropolitan Planning Organizations • Municipal Leagues • Parking Reform Advocates • Place Management Organizations • Policy & Research Organizations • Public Housing Authorities • Real Estate Brokers and Realtors • Rural Housing Advocates • Single Family Homebuilders • Smart Growth Advocates • Social Equity Advocates • Social Impact Investors • Tax Credit Syndicators • Trade Associations • Transit Advocates • Urban & Regional Planners • Urbanists
Up for Growth Action® relies on the work of Up for Growth®, a 501(c)(3) pro-housing policy and research member network that forges unexpected partnerships among practitioners, stakeholders, and lawmakers to develop policy solutions to the housing crisis.
LEARN MORE ABOUT UP FOR GROWTH®Support Us
When you support Up for Growth Action®, you support an effective voice for federal pro-housing policy. Our organization brings focused advocacy for policies that address America’s severe shortage of homes and affordability crisis.
LEARN MOREPlease complete the form below to register your support and a member of our team will contact you to discuss ways that you can be a part of our growing movement.