Affordable housing developers funding shortfalls sets the stage for a critical examination of the challenges facing the construction of affordable housing. This issue significantly impacts project timelines, feasibility, and ultimately, the quality and affordability of the housing units themselves.
The analysis explores diverse funding mechanisms, from government grants and private investment to tax credits and emerging models. It delves into the cascading effects of funding shortfalls, examining the impact on project feasibility and viability, and the potential consequences on various demographics. Further, the report identifies systemic barriers, analyzes developer strategies for addressing these shortfalls, and presents case studies of successful and unsuccessful projects.
Funding Mechanisms for Affordable Housing
The persistent need for affordable housing necessitates a comprehensive understanding of diverse funding sources. A multitude of approaches, from traditional government initiatives to innovative private sector strategies, play a crucial role in addressing this critical societal challenge. This analysis explores the historical trends and emerging models, aiming to provide a clear picture of the complexities involved in securing funding for affordable housing projects.The availability and allocation of funding for affordable housing projects are intrinsically linked to broader economic and political landscapes.
Historically, fluctuations in government priorities, shifts in investor sentiment, and changes in tax policies have all impacted the amount and types of funding available. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating the challenges and maximizing the effectiveness of funding mechanisms.
Comparative Analysis of Funding Sources
Various funding sources contribute to the development and maintenance of affordable housing. Government grants, private investment, and tax credits represent key components of this multifaceted funding landscape. Each mechanism possesses unique characteristics that influence its effectiveness and suitability for specific projects.
Funding Source | Strengths | Weaknesses |
---|---|---|
Government Grants | Often provide substantial capital for large-scale projects, offer predictability and long-term stability, and can be crucial for projects in underserved areas. | Can be subject to budgetary constraints and political pressures, potentially leading to delays or reduced funding, and may have stringent eligibility criteria. |
Private Investment | Offers flexibility and can be tailored to specific project needs, fostering innovation and potentially driving quicker project timelines. Often leveraged with other funding sources, including tax credits, for maximum impact. | May prioritize projects with high returns, potentially neglecting projects in areas with lower profitability, and the financial viability of private investment is often contingent on external market conditions. |
Tax Credits | Provide significant financial incentives to developers and investors, stimulating private sector participation, and offer a means of leveraging private capital for affordable housing development. | The effectiveness of tax credits can fluctuate depending on the specific regulations and the overall economic climate. Compliance with complex regulations can also pose challenges for developers. |
Historical Trends in Funding Allocation
Historical patterns in the allocation of funding sources reveal shifts in priorities and responsiveness to societal needs. Periods of economic prosperity often correlate with increased private investment in affordable housing, while economic downturns can significantly reduce private investment. Government grants have historically played a crucial role in funding large-scale projects, but the proportion of funding has varied across different administrations and economic contexts.
Emerging Innovative Funding Models
The quest for sustainable and innovative solutions in affordable housing financing continues. Several models are emerging that combine elements of traditional funding mechanisms to address specific challenges and leverage emerging technologies.
- Community Land Trusts: These trusts hold land for affordable housing projects, preventing future price increases and ensuring long-term affordability. They often partner with government agencies and non-profit organizations to secure funding and develop the projects. Examples include projects in San Francisco and Seattle.
- Crowdfunding Platforms: These platforms allow individuals to contribute smaller amounts to affordable housing projects, fostering broader community engagement and support. This model leverages the power of collective action and social capital to supplement traditional funding streams. Success depends on reaching a critical mass of contributors.
- Impact Investing: This approach encourages private investment in affordable housing projects by focusing on social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. Investors are incentivized to support projects that align with their values and provide both financial and social returns.
Impact of Shortfalls on Development
Funding shortfalls for affordable housing projects have significant and cascading consequences, impacting not only the timeline but also the feasibility, quality, and affordability of the resulting housing units. These repercussions disproportionately affect various demographics within the target population, exacerbating existing societal inequalities. The following sections detail the multifaceted effects of these shortfalls.The delay in project commencement and completion is a direct consequence of inadequate funding.
This delay often leads to escalated construction costs, impacting the final cost of the housing units and potentially jeopardizing the entire project’s viability. Furthermore, these delays can disrupt the provision of much-needed housing, contributing to housing shortages in underserved communities.
Timeline Impacts
Funding shortfalls invariably lead to delays in project timelines. This is primarily due to the inability to secure necessary materials, labor, and other resources in a timely manner. Project completion dates are pushed back, leading to further delays in the provision of affordable housing. These delays have a knock-on effect on other projects, causing bottlenecks in the entire development pipeline.
For example, if a crucial component of a project, such as land acquisition, is delayed due to funding constraints, it directly affects the entire project schedule.
Feasibility and Viability Impacts
Funding shortfalls directly affect the feasibility and viability of affordable housing projects. Insufficient funds often necessitate compromises in design, materials, and construction methods, impacting the quality of the housing units. This can lead to lower-quality construction, potentially compromising structural integrity and long-term value. Moreover, the decreased project viability can lead to the project being abandoned altogether. For example, if the estimated cost of construction increases significantly due to funding shortfalls, the project might become economically unviable, rendering it impossible to complete.
Quality and Affordability Impacts
Funding shortfalls can severely impact the quality and affordability of housing units. Reductions in funding may necessitate using lower-cost materials, impacting the overall quality of the housing. This may include using less durable materials, compromising insulation, or reducing the overall size of the units. Consequently, the housing units might not meet the required standards of safety and comfort, and the final price may be higher than initially projected.
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This ultimately compromises the affordability aspect of the housing project. For instance, substituting higher-quality insulation with lower-quality alternatives might result in increased energy bills for residents, undermining the affordability of the housing.
Demographic Impacts
The impact of funding shortfalls on different demographics within the target population is varied. Lower-income households and vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected by housing shortages and delays. These communities often lack the resources to adapt to prolonged delays or seek alternative housing options. For instance, families with children or individuals with disabilities may face significant challenges in securing suitable housing when faced with delays in affordable housing projects.
Demographic Group | Impact |
---|---|
Low-income families | Increased housing instability, difficulty accessing alternative housing |
Families with children | Strained living conditions, lack of suitable housing options |
Individuals with disabilities | Limited accessibility options, challenges in relocating |
Systemic Barriers to Funding
The persistent shortfall in funding for affordable housing developers is exacerbated by systemic barriers that impede the flow of capital. These obstacles, often deeply ingrained in bureaucratic processes and regulatory frameworks, significantly delay project approvals and increase the overall cost of development. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial for ensuring the availability of affordable housing options.These systemic barriers create a complex environment for affordable housing developers.
Navigating the intricate web of regulations, bureaucratic hurdles, and market forces requires significant resources and expertise. Often, developers find themselves caught in a cycle of delays and increased costs, ultimately impacting the feasibility of projects.
Major Obstacles Hindering Funding Flow
Several significant obstacles hinder the flow of funding to affordable housing developers. These include stringent permitting and approval processes, complex financing structures, and the lack of dedicated funding streams. A thorough understanding of these obstacles is essential for developing effective policy solutions.
- Stringent Permitting and Approval Processes: Bureaucratic hurdles in the permitting and approval process often delay projects significantly. Extensive paperwork, multiple agency reviews, and rigorous environmental impact assessments can extend timelines, increase costs, and ultimately deter developers, particularly smaller organizations, from pursuing affordable housing projects. For example, in certain regions, the time required for obtaining necessary permits for affordable housing developments can exceed a year, making the project less financially viable.
- Complex Financing Structures: Securing funding for affordable housing projects often involves intricate financing structures that require navigating various loan programs, subsidies, and tax incentives. These complexities can be daunting for developers lacking the necessary financial expertise and can result in increased administrative costs, making the project less attractive financially. This can be illustrated by the fact that the application process for federal housing subsidies is often lengthy and demanding, potentially making these subsidies inaccessible to smaller or less experienced developers.
- Lack of Dedicated Funding Streams: The absence of dedicated funding streams specifically for affordable housing projects poses a significant challenge. While some programs exist, they often fall short of the substantial funding needs. This gap necessitates the creation of new funding mechanisms to address the substantial demand for affordable housing units. This is demonstrated by the fact that existing funding sources often cannot keep pace with the increasing need for affordable housing, leading to long waiting lists and inadequate supply.
Role of Bureaucratic Processes and Regulations
Bureaucratic processes and regulations can significantly impede project approvals, often adding unnecessary delays and increasing development costs. These processes, while intended to serve various public interests, can inadvertently stifle the construction of affordable housing.
- Excessive Regulations: Overly stringent regulations, including those related to zoning, environmental impact assessments, and building codes, can add considerable complexity and cost to affordable housing projects. Such regulations can increase the time required for project approvals and, consequently, make affordable housing projects less financially viable.
- Slowed Project Approvals: Delays in project approvals, often stemming from lengthy bureaucratic processes and multiple agency reviews, can lead to increased costs and decreased investor confidence. This delays the construction of vital housing units, exacerbating the affordable housing crisis. This can be demonstrated by the often-reported cases of delays in affordable housing projects, often due to extensive and complex approval processes.
Policy Recommendations to Address Systemic Barriers
Addressing systemic barriers requires a multifaceted approach incorporating policy changes that streamline the development process and create dedicated funding mechanisms.
- Streamlined Permitting Processes: Implementing streamlined permitting processes and consolidating approvals from multiple agencies can reduce delays and lower development costs. This can be achieved by creating a centralized permitting system and establishing clear timelines for approvals. This approach reduces administrative burden and encourages project development.
- Dedicated Funding Mechanisms: Creating dedicated funding mechanisms specifically for affordable housing projects can significantly increase the availability of capital. This could include tax credits, grants, or low-interest loans targeted towards affordable housing development.
- Simplified Financing Structures: Simplifying financing structures, reducing administrative burdens, and providing access to expert guidance can make affordable housing development more attractive to investors. This may involve offering specialized training programs and resources for developers.
Impact of Market Forces on Affordability
Market forces significantly influence the affordability of land and construction materials. These factors directly impact the cost of housing, influencing the viability of affordable housing projects.
- Rising Land Costs: The increasing cost of land in urban areas often makes the development of affordable housing projects less economically viable. Land scarcity and high demand, combined with rising land values, often make the land unsuitable for affordable housing developments.
- Fluctuating Construction Costs: Fluctuations in the price of construction materials, such as lumber, cement, and steel, can significantly impact the overall cost of affordable housing projects. The volatility of these market forces can create challenges in budget predictability and project viability.
Developer Strategies for Addressing Shortfalls
Affordable housing development frequently faces funding challenges, impacting project feasibility and the delivery of essential housing units. Addressing these shortfalls requires innovative strategies, leveraging diverse funding sources, and adopting effective partnerships. This section explores successful approaches employed by developers to overcome these financial constraints.Successful affordable housing developers have demonstrated a proactive approach to securing funding, including exploring creative financing mechanisms and establishing strong community partnerships.
This proactive approach is essential to overcome obstacles and ultimately contribute to a more equitable housing landscape.
Successful Strategies Employed by Affordable Housing Developers
Developers often employ a multifaceted approach to securing funding, encompassing diverse funding streams and collaborations. Key strategies include exploring creative financing mechanisms and cultivating strong community partnerships. Strategic planning is crucial to effectively navigate the complexities of funding shortfalls.
- Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can significantly enhance funding prospects. These collaborations involve leveraging the expertise and resources of both public and private entities, creating a synergistic approach to development. Examples include partnerships between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private developers, often structured through grant programs, tax credits, and low-interest loans. These partnerships can share financial burdens, expertise, and resources, leading to more robust and sustainable projects.
- Exploring Creative Financing Mechanisms: Innovative financial instruments can bridge funding gaps. These instruments can include complex financial products like tax increment financing (TIF) or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) that provide access to capital for affordable housing development. Developers can also explore equity investments, impact investing, and social impact bonds, which align financial returns with social value creation.
- Seeking Grant Funding and Subsidies: Grant funding and subsidies, often provided by state and local governments, can offer crucial support for affordable housing projects. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application procedures for these programs is critical. These programs can provide substantial funding and aid in mitigating financial shortfalls.
Partnerships and Collaborations Enhancing Funding Prospects
Strategic partnerships are crucial for successful affordable housing development. Collaborations between developers, community organizations, and government agencies can generate a stronger collective effort, leading to more effective and comprehensive solutions.
- Community Land Trusts: Community land trusts (CLTs) play a vital role in securing long-term affordability. CLTs own the land underlying affordable housing, ensuring that the land remains affordable for future generations. This partnership model protects the long-term viability of the project, fostering a sustainable approach to affordable housing development.
- Non-profit Organizations: Collaborating with non-profit organizations can leverage their expertise in community development and outreach, enhancing the development process and broadening the reach of the project. These organizations often possess a deep understanding of community needs and can provide valuable support in project implementation. For example, non-profits can manage resident services, coordinate community outreach, and help with tenant selection.
Financial Instruments for Securing Funding
A variety of financial instruments can be employed to secure funding for affordable housing development. Understanding the characteristics and limitations of each instrument is crucial for project viability.
Financial Instrument | Description | Example |
---|---|---|
Low-interest loans | Loans with interest rates below market rates, often provided by government agencies or institutions | Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, state housing finance agencies |
Tax Credits | Tax incentives offered by government to stimulate investment in affordable housing | Low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) |
Grants | Non-repayable funds provided by government agencies or foundations | Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants |
Equity Investments | Investors provide capital in exchange for ownership stake | Impact investors |
Community Engagement in Securing Additional Funding Sources
Community engagement is essential for securing additional funding sources. Building trust and rapport with the community can open doors to potential support from local residents and organizations.
- Community Outreach: Effective community outreach strategies are vital. These strategies can involve workshops, town hall meetings, and other initiatives to inform the community about the project, gather feedback, and generate support. This transparency fosters trust and engagement.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are essential to generate broader community support and garner public attention. By highlighting the need for affordable housing and the project’s benefits, these campaigns can generate broader support and encourage participation from local businesses and stakeholders.
Case Studies of Successful and Unsuccessful Projects
A critical analysis of affordable housing projects reveals significant variations in outcomes, often directly attributable to the funding mechanisms employed. Examining both successful and unsuccessful projects provides valuable lessons for future development initiatives, highlighting the complexities of securing adequate and sustainable funding.Understanding the factors contributing to success and failure is essential for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of affordable housing programs.
This analysis will examine specific projects, contrasting their funding strategies and resulting outcomes to identify key patterns and potential areas for improvement in future endeavors.
Successful Project Characteristics and Funding Strategies
Successful affordable housing projects frequently exhibit several key characteristics, which are often intertwined with their funding strategies. These projects typically demonstrate a comprehensive approach to securing funding, drawing upon a diversified portfolio of sources. Leveraging multiple funding streams, including public grants, private investment, and low-interest loans, allows for a more resilient and sustainable financial model.
- Strong partnerships between public and private sectors are often crucial. Public entities, such as local governments or housing authorities, often provide critical funding and regulatory support, while private developers bring expertise in project management and market analysis. This collaborative approach can streamline the development process and attract additional private investment.
- Projects that effectively utilize innovative funding mechanisms, such as tax credits or community land trusts, frequently achieve long-term financial stability. These innovative strategies can address specific funding gaps and create lasting benefits for the community. For example, a project leveraging a combination of federal tax credits and local government grants demonstrated a higher rate of return on investment compared to projects relying solely on traditional funding methods.
- Projects often prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, leading to lower operating costs and increased long-term value. Projects incorporating green building practices, renewable energy sources, and energy-efficient appliances demonstrate a commitment to long-term financial viability and environmental responsibility. This approach attracts investors and creates a more attractive proposition for potential tenants.
Unsuccessful Project Characteristics and Funding Gaps
Analysis of unsuccessful affordable housing projects often reveals a common thread: insufficient and/or mismatched funding strategies. These projects frequently demonstrate a reliance on a single funding source, making them vulnerable to financial downturns or shifts in policy.
- Projects with inadequate funding often struggle to meet construction costs and operating expenses. Without sufficient upfront capital, projects may face delays, cost overruns, and ultimately, failure. A lack of a comprehensive funding strategy, encompassing multiple sources, often leads to financial strain and project setbacks.
- Projects with poorly designed financial models are often susceptible to unexpected challenges and unforeseen expenses. A project’s financial model must account for potential fluctuations in construction costs, interest rates, and operating expenses. A robust and flexible financial model can mitigate risks and ensure the project’s long-term viability.
- Lack of long-term financial sustainability planning is a recurring issue in unsuccessful projects. Without a clear plan for ongoing maintenance, operations, and debt service, projects can quickly spiral into financial distress. A robust plan for long-term financial sustainability, including reserve funds and contingency planning, is essential for project success.
Comparative Analysis of Projects with Varying Funding Levels, Affordable housing developers funding shortfalls
The table below highlights the varying outcomes of similar affordable housing projects with differing funding levels.
Project | Funding Level (in millions USD) | Outcome | Key Funding Sources |
---|---|---|---|
Project A | $10 | Successful, achieved occupancy within projected timeframe | Public grants (40%), private investment (30%), low-interest loans (30%) |
Project B | $5 | Partially successful, faced delays and cost overruns | Public grants (60%), private investment (40%) |
Project C | $15 | Highly successful, achieved occupancy exceeding projected targets | Public grants (20%), private investment (60%), low-interest loans (20%) |
Future Projections and Recommendations

The persistent funding gap in affordable housing development presents a significant challenge to achieving equitable housing access. Projecting the future requires careful consideration of both the systemic barriers to funding and the innovative strategies that developers can employ to overcome them. This section will Artikel potential future trends and provide actionable recommendations to enhance funding for future affordable housing projects.
Future of Affordable Housing Development
The future of affordable housing development hinges on the ability to overcome current funding limitations. A continued reliance on traditional funding sources, such as government grants and subsidies, may prove insufficient to meet the growing demand for affordable housing units. Innovation in funding mechanisms, coupled with a shift towards more sustainable development practices, will be crucial for ensuring a viable future for this critical sector.
Recent trends show a growing awareness of the importance of affordable housing, which could lead to increased private sector investment, but this remains contingent on the availability of attractive financial incentives and risk mitigation strategies.
Impact of Emerging Technologies and Market Trends
Emerging technologies and market trends offer both challenges and opportunities for affordable housing development. The rise of digital platforms for project management and community engagement can streamline operations and enhance transparency. However, the digital divide and potential for technological disparities could exacerbate existing inequalities if not addressed proactively. For instance, remote project management tools might be inaccessible to developers in underserved communities lacking reliable internet access.
Furthermore, the growing popularity of modular construction techniques can significantly reduce construction time and costs, potentially making affordable housing more accessible. However, ensuring that these technologies are utilized equitably and sustainably across all communities is crucial.
Recommendations to Enhance Funding
A multi-pronged approach is necessary to enhance funding for future affordable housing projects. This includes leveraging public-private partnerships, exploring innovative financing instruments, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): PPPs can bring together the financial resources of the public sector with the expertise and capital of the private sector. These partnerships can leverage government subsidies and tax incentives to attract private investment. Examples of successful PPPs in other sectors suggest a potential model for affordable housing.
- Innovative Financing Instruments: Exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as impact investing, crowdfunding, and social impact bonds, can attract capital from investors seeking both financial returns and social impact. These instruments offer alternative avenues for funding that complement traditional sources.
- Supportive Regulatory Environment: Streamlining the permitting and approval processes for affordable housing projects can significantly reduce development time and costs. Removing regulatory barriers and providing incentives for affordable housing development can create a more favorable environment for developers.
Key Takeaways and Actionable Strategies
The challenges facing affordable housing development necessitate a comprehensive and proactive approach. By embracing emerging technologies, cultivating public-private partnerships, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment, the sector can better address the critical need for affordable housing.
- Prioritize technology adoption: Implement digital tools and platforms that facilitate efficient project management, community engagement, and transparent communication. Address the digital divide to ensure equitable access.
- Encourage public-private partnerships: Create mechanisms for effective collaboration between government agencies and private developers to leverage resources and expertise.
- Advocate for supportive regulations: Advocate for streamlined permitting processes, tax incentives, and other policies that support the development of affordable housing projects.
Illustrative Examples of Affordable Housing
Affordable housing projects are crucial for ensuring equitable access to safe and stable living environments for diverse populations. These projects require careful consideration of various factors, including cost-effectiveness, community needs, and sustainable design principles. The following examples showcase successful strategies and typologies in achieving this goal.
Characteristics of a High-Quality Affordable Housing Project
High-quality affordable housing projects prioritize resident well-being and community integration. Key characteristics include: accessible locations, proximity to essential services like schools and healthcare, energy-efficient design features, community spaces, and a strong management system focused on resident engagement and maintenance. These projects strive to create environments that are not only affordable but also supportive and empowering for residents.
Housing Typologies Addressing Affordability Concerns
Various housing typologies effectively address affordability concerns. These include:
- Multi-family Complexes: These complexes often offer a range of unit sizes and amenities, allowing for greater flexibility and affordability for different household compositions. They can be designed with shared spaces like community gardens, laundry facilities, and recreational areas, fostering a sense of community. High density can reduce overall costs per unit, making them a viable solution in urban settings.
- Modular Construction: This approach utilizes prefabricated components, enabling faster construction timelines and potentially lower construction costs. Careful design ensures the quality and durability of the units while meeting the specific needs of affordable housing projects.
- Adaptive Reuse: This strategy leverages existing structures, such as abandoned industrial buildings or underutilized commercial spaces, to create affordable housing. This approach reduces construction time and costs, and repurposing existing structures can contribute to sustainable development efforts.
- Mixed-Income Housing: This approach integrates affordable units with market-rate units within the same development. This approach can generate additional revenue to support the affordability of the lower-income units and enhance community diversity. Mixed-income housing often results in increased property values and a more robust and dynamic community.
Significance of Location and Design in Achieving Affordability
Strategic location and thoughtful design are critical for affordable housing projects. A project’s location should be accessible to essential services, employment opportunities, and public transportation. This accessibility minimizes transportation costs and improves quality of life for residents. Design considerations must incorporate energy efficiency measures to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. This includes using sustainable materials, optimizing natural light and ventilation, and incorporating green spaces for community well-being.
Examples of Successful Affordable Housing Projects
- Project A: This project features energy-efficient windows, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems. The design incorporates open-concept living spaces and a shared community garden, promoting interaction and fostering a strong sense of community. The location is close to public transportation and employment opportunities. The project prioritizes community involvement and resident engagement throughout the development process.
- Project B: Located in a revitalized urban area, this project utilized adaptive reuse of a former industrial building. The project design incorporates sustainable building materials, minimizing environmental impact and cost. It offers a range of unit sizes and amenities tailored to diverse resident needs. The development prioritizes walkability and proximity to local services, creating a convenient and vibrant living environment.
Concluding Remarks: Affordable Housing Developers Funding Shortfalls

In conclusion, the ongoing shortfall in funding for affordable housing development presents a significant obstacle to creating a more equitable housing landscape. The analysis highlights the complex interplay of funding mechanisms, systemic barriers, and developer strategies. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating policy recommendations, innovative funding models, and collaborative partnerships. The future of affordable housing hinges on the ability to overcome these hurdles and secure adequate funding to meet the growing need.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the most common reasons for funding shortfalls in affordable housing projects?
Several factors contribute to funding shortfalls, including fluctuating government funding priorities, increased construction costs, and bureaucratic delays in project approvals. Competition for limited funding resources also plays a significant role.
How can developers mitigate funding shortfalls?
Developers can employ various strategies to mitigate funding shortfalls, including exploring alternative funding sources like community engagement initiatives, seeking public-private partnerships, and utilizing creative financial instruments.
What are some emerging innovative funding models for affordable housing?
Emerging innovative models often leverage technology, crowdfunding platforms, and community-based investment schemes to address funding gaps and increase accessibility.
What is the role of government policy in addressing funding shortfalls for affordable housing?
Government policies can play a crucial role in addressing funding shortfalls by streamlining bureaucratic processes, offering targeted tax incentives, and increasing funding allocations to affordable housing programs.