Inclusive Growth: Beyond Affordable Housing

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How to identify the need to think beyond affordable housing unit production to achieve inclusive growth
• How to explore - through case studies - people-based and place-based strategies that combine to promote inclusive growth
• How to compare how leading cities are starting to track and measure progress towards inclusive growth goals

MORE SESSION DETAILS

Despite national economic growth, wealth remains concentrated in the top 5% of the US population, housing cost burdens are increasing, and inequities persist in communities of color. As such, inclusive growth has emerged as a priority for cities, with the creation and preservation of affordable housing as one of its primary strategies. However, tools for advancing affordability vary with local market conditions, and affordable housing alone will not eliminate barriers to inclusive growth. Cities across the country are exploring people- and place-based strategies in workforce development, education, transportation, and open space to advance social and economic mobility. What strategies have been successful, and how can accountability be integrated to monitor outcomes? Through case studies, the session will explore how Detroit and Atlanta couple housing development with investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and arts and culture; how equity-based tools and metrics can help decision-makers reimagine quality public space; and how policy-makers evaluate successful inclusive growth in American cities.