Here, you'll find essential information about Housing Elements. Understanding these foundational planning tools will equip you with the knowledge to engage more strategically in the political conversation, allowing you to challenge policies, influence decision-makers, and advocate more effectively for the changes you want to see. The Kennedy Commission website offers more information tools and can be found in the links below:

What is Affordable Housing?

Understanding the Relationship Between Housing Costs and Household Income

The term affordable housing is frequently misunderstood. Many people assume it only refers to government-subsidized housing or housing for low-income families. In reality, affordable housing applies to a wide range of income levels and housing types. The key factor that defines affordability is not the type or location of the housing, but how much it costs relative to a household’s income.

The 30% Rule

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), housing is considered affordable when the total monthly cost of rent or mortgage plus utilities does not exceed 30% of a household’s gross income (income before taxes and deductions). This standard is widely used to assess housing affordability across the country.

When housing costs exceed 30% of household income, families may have difficulty affording other essentials such as food, healthcare, transportation, and savings. This situation is referred to as being cost-burdened.

Why Affordability Varies

Affordability is relative and can vary significantly based on local economic conditions, housing markets, and household size. For example, a home that is affordable for a 2 person household earning $100,000 annually would be out of reach for a family of 3 earning $80,000 because the larger household has more expenses making the same housing less affordable despite a modest income difference. That’s why the definition of affordability is tied to a percentage of income rather than a fixed price. 

Connecting Affordable Housing to Housing Elements

Understanding what makes housing affordable is important

It's important to understand how our communities plan for housing to determine if residents can feasibly access affordable housing options. One key way this planning is executed is through the Housing Element, a required part of every city's General Plan. The housing production of a city must adhere to the policies and housing programs in their Housing Element. 

Housing Elements connect the need for affordable housing with the strategies and policies that turn into achievable goals.

It is important that community members are engaged in the production and planning of these areas so they can be influenced to have a more binding influence on the production of affordable housing through setting goals, projects, and timelines that would help enable the production of affordable housing.

By critically analyzing how a region plans for affordable housing in its Housing Element, we can better understand the barriers and opportunities for creating systemic change that improves our community's quality of life. Effective Housing Elements can ensure that enough affordable housing is built, that housing is equitably distributed, and that future growth accommodates everyone in the community at all income levels.

By understanding how Housing Elements work, you can be a more effective advocate for inclusive and affordable housing in your community. These planning tools provide a roadmap for creating housing that supports everyone at all income levels.

RHNA Supports Affordable housing. 

How does a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) carry out the programs and policies of a Housing Element?

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and a Housing Element are closely connected, with the RHNA providing the foundational groundwork for a city’s housing programs and policies within a Housing Element.

RHNA provides the housing data that drive the policies and programs in a Housing Element. The Housing Element then outlines concrete actions local governments are mandated to take, including  policy changes, zoning adjustments, and funding strategies to meet the housing goals set by RHNA. This process ensures that housing development is planned in a way that aligns with regional needs and promotes equitable, fair, and sustainable growth

How Can You Advocate for Stronger Housing Elements?

1. Stay Informed: Make sure you know when your local government is in the process of updating its Housing Element. These updates often happen every 8 years, but there are also opportunities for amendments if cities do not comply with mandated regulations in time.

2. Engage in the Process: Attend public hearings, community meetings, and engage with local policymakers. Advocating for affordable housing means being vocal about the need for your community to plan for and build affordable housing.

3. Hold Leaders Accountable: Council members are elected on promises to improve their communities, including expanding affordable housing. Hold them accountable by pushing for policies that reflect their commitments, such as zoning reforms for mixed-income housing and higher density in areas with more opportunities.

4. Push for Housing Diversity: Advocate for a range of housing options, including affordable units for seniors (senior housing) and families with children (multifamily housing). Reject new market rate and luxury housing developments.

By understanding how Housing Elements work, you can be a more effective advocate for inclusive and affordable housing in your community. These planning tools provide a roadmap for creating housing that supports everyone at all income levels.

RHNA provides the housing data that drive the policies and programs in a Housing Element. The Housing Element then outlines concrete actions local governments mandated to take, including  policy changes, zoning adjustments, funding strategies, to meet the housing goals set by RHNA. This process ensures that housing development is planned in a way that aligns with regional needs and promotes equitable, fair, and sustainable growth.