WASHINGTON — The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) today published a new report, “Improving Housing for Working Americans,” authored by Richard D. Kahlenberg, Director of Housing Policy and Director of PPI’s American Identity Project. The report tackles the rising housing costs and offers pragmatic solutions to improve affordability for working families across the United States.
This new publication is a key output of PPI’s Campaign for Working America, which was launched earlier this year in partnership with former U.S. Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio. The Campaign aims to develop and test new themes, ideas, and policy proposals that help Democrats and other center-left leaders make a compelling economic offer to working Americans, bridge divides on cultural issues like immigration and education, and rally public support for the defense of democracy and freedom globally.
As part of PPI’s Campaign for Working America, this report highlights the growing housing crisis and outlines several policy recommendations to help alleviate the burden on working-class families. Kahlenberg emphasizes that exclusionary zoning laws, combined with high interest rates, have made housing unaffordable for too many Americans. He calls for reform to break down these barriers and increase the availability of affordable housing.
“Housing affordability is a fundamental issue for millions of working Americans,” said Kahlenberg. “By reducing exclusionary zoning and incentivizing the construction of multi-family homes, we can help lower housing costs, create more inclusive neighborhoods, and provide greater opportunities for working families to thrive. This report offers a roadmap for both federal and state governments to address this urgent problem.”
The report also highlights how exclusionary zoning laws have worsened economic segregation, preventing working families from accessing better housing, schools, and job opportunities. Among the key recommendations are expanding federal incentives like the PRO Housing Pilot Program, enacting the YIMBY Act to promote more inclusive housing policies, passing an Economic Fair Housing Act that would discourage localities from zoning practices that exclude working families, and supporting state-level reforms that legalize multifamily housing.
The report’s findings underscore the need for comprehensive reform at both state and federal levels to create housing solutions that work for all Americans, not just the wealthy.
Read and download the report here.
The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Find an expert at PPI and follow us on Twitter.
###
Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@ppionline.org
