Advocating for Housing That Combines Affordability, Sustainability and Transit Accessibility
By Rose Morrison, managing editor of Renovated
United States residents are grappling with a multipronged crisis affecting housing. Many struggle to afford rent or mortgage payments and live in residences with poor energy efficiency that are too far from transit routes. Affordability, sustainability and transit accessibility significantly impact people’s abilities to live fulfilling lives.
The reality of the housing crisis emphasizes why concerned parties and those in influential positions must collectively advocate to create equitable communities where residents are well-equipped to proactively address environmental challenges.
The Urgent Need for Affordable, Accessible Housing
The consequences of unaffordable housing are vast and far-reaching, including:
- Increased risk of homelessness.
- Reduced preparedness for emergencies.
- Restricted economic mobility.
- Raised threat of unsafe living conditions.
- Elevated likelihood of exploitative situations.
Although affordable housing solutions for low-income families address part of the current needs, they do not show the whole picture. That’s partially because the issue is extensive and nationwide. A 2024 survey showed 76% of Americans see housing affordability as an increasing problem. Additionally, respondents in suburban and rural areas were more likely to deem it a worsening issue than those in urban locations.
Moreover, houses in inaccessible areas can reduce people’s opportunities to:
- Secure and retain well-paying jobs.
- Attend medical appointments.
- Participate meaningfully in their communities.
- Maintain mutually beneficial relationships.
- Visit affordable stores and service providers.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data found that American adults with lower incomes or education levels were less likely to have reliable transportation for daily activities. Policymakers recognizing and advocating for the benefits of transit-oriented housing options can create ripple effects for constituents and their communities.
Prioritizing Sustainability When Meeting Housing Needs
Mounting evidence of worsening climate change causes many people to explore how to create affordable and sustainable communities where occupants are more resilient against present and impending threats.
1. What Is a Sustainable Home?
Sustainable homes encompass a broad definition. However, the primary characteristics of such residences include high energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Strategically chosen materials provide durability that reduces unnecessary resource usage. For example, metal roofs can last approximately 75 years and are low-maintenance options. Insulation in a home can significantly reduce energy bills, and installing double- or triple-pane windows can significantly mitigate heat transfer. Low-E coatings can reflect UV rays, bolstering efficiency further.
It is also helpful if homeowners, property managers or landlords possess and use the necessary resources to keep these abodes well-maintained and safe to occupy. Otherwise, poor upkeep can conceal issues.
If that prolongs the time before people notice and address them, problems that are easy and inexpensive to address at earlier stages can become prohibitively costly to fix due to delays.
2. What Are Some Benefits of Sustainable Homes?
A 2024 report showed residential electrification could bring $96 billion in net cost savings for Americans between 2024 and 2050. That would occur if 75% of homes used efficient electric equipment rather than fossil fuel-dependent options. Evidence also shows many homeowners are open to such transitions.
Federal data released in August 2024 indicated that 3.4 million households claimed $8.4 billion in tax credits for residential clean energy and efficiency upgrades the previous year. They did so under incentives within the Inflation Reduction Act, revealing how sustainably centered policies can increase homeowners’ interest in sustainable home improvements.
Additionally, a New York-based study that brought electric stoves to low-income homes that previously had gas-powered appliances highlighted a health-related benefit. During three seven-day periods of continuous monitoring, researchers found daily nitrogen oxide concentrations were 56% lower on average compared to residences with gas stoves. This improvement caused notable indoor air pollution reductions.
How Does Transit Accessibility Support Housing Needs?
Transit accessibility in housing impacts how easily people can access destinations and amenities from their residences. Although this topic extends to factors such as well-kept roads, infrastructure planners also understand the benefits of transit-oriented housing options, particularly for reducing emissions.
Suppose someone can use public transit to reduce how often they rely on personal vehicles or taxis. Then, that decision collectively reduces personal vehicle dependence, which is good for their wallets and better for the planet. However, the presence of a public transit route is typically insufficient to encourage usage.
Instead, the ideal options are also:
- Close to home
- Near desired destinations
- Timely and reliable
- Affordable
- Accessible to people with disabilities
- Safe, with well-lit stops
Driving represents 16.2% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. Convincing people to use public transportation instead of their cars would make a meaningful, sustainable improvement. Individuals will be much more open to that option if it fits conveniently into their lives.
Other Notable Benefits of Reduced Car Dependency
Although many people understandably link reduced car usage to sustainability, other valuable advantages exist. Research suggests walkable neighborhoods encourage people to interact with those who live near them, positively affecting well-being.
The study’s senior author, James F. Sallis, explained, “Our built environments create or deny long-lasting opportunities for socialization, physical activity, contact with nature, and other experiences that affect public health.” He also noted that millions of Americans live in car-dependent neighborhoods that reduce their chances of interacting with community residents.
How does proximity to public transportation infrastructure affect property values and other community success indicators? A 2024 study from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority shed some light on that question. It found metro stations occupy only 3% of the land but account for 30% of the area’s property values. Moreover, they comprise 40% of a region’s jobs.
Another finding was that public transportation is 20 times safer than driving a car and saves the area $950 million in annual collision-related costs. That result frees up more of the budget for housing and other essentials.
The Integration of Affordability, Sustainability and Transit Accessibility
Combining affordability, sustainability and transit accessibility requires investing in mixed-used developments that prioritize reasonably priced housing near strategically planned transportation amenities. What does that look like in practice?
A Seattle Project Stands Out With Sustainable, Sensible Amenities
A Seattle-area transit-oriented development project illustrates some best practices. This initiative centers on affordable housing built near the Lynnwood City Center Station. The associated proposal concerns 167 units for households earning 30% to 60% of the area’s median income. Most homes will have two or three bedrooms, making them large enough for families.
Additionally, residents can access various convenient amenities, from walking trails and community gardens to a health center and child care services. Since sustainable living arrangements also give people more economic opportunities, the proposed development includes a public cafe and job training center. People can access them regardless of their citizenship status or ability to pay.
This effort included a two-phase community engagement period to seek public input. Organizers used several outreach methods, including open houses, social media posts, collaboration with area organizations and online surveys. Keeping community members involved in planning is essential for addressing concerns and maximizing the benefits for those who live in or near a new development.
Making Housing More Affordable With Financing
After conducting a nationwide study, researchers concluded only four of the country’s 381 metropolitan areas had housing shortages during a two-decade period. However, they found that — more accurately — the country lacks enough affordable housing.
Kirk McClure, professor of public affairs & administration emeritus at Kansas University and the study’s co-author, stated, “Our nation’s affordability problems result more from low incomes confronting high housing prices rather than from housing shortages. This condition suggests that we cannot build our way to housing affordability. We need to address price levels and income levels to help low-income households afford the housing that already exists, rather than increasing the supply in the hope that prices will subside.”
Options such as affordable housing grants, tax credits for eco-friendly building materials and subsidies can make sustainable, well-located homes more financially accessible for potential homeowners.
The federal government has a homebuying assistance hub that provides relevant resources in one place.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development hosts a state-specific directory to address matters for tenants, potential homebuyers and homeowners. It’s an excellent starting point for people who want to:
- Speak to housing counselors.
- Learn about affordable home programs.
- Find energy-efficient upgrade opportunities.
- Report housing discrimination.
- Apply for assistance with rent or utility bills.
- Get help when facing eviction.
In addition to these government-based resources, financial institutions will continue playing crucial roles in people’s ability to live in affordable, sustainable and safe homes. The United States has 11 Federal Home Loan Banks. These government-supported entities are obliged by law to establish affordable housing programs and contribute 10% of their earnings to them.
The Role of Policymaking and Advocacy in Housing Improvements
Local, state and federal policies inevitably shape housing markets. Concerned individuals can influence authorities by advocating for:
- Increased public transit infrastructure funding.
- Modernized zoning laws to enable inclusionary, affordable homes.
- Upgrades to enact or improve sustainable building codes and practices.
Additionally, community members should explore grassroots advocacy opportunities that let them contribute to future policies. Straightforward, impactful actions include:
- Attending community meetings.
- Signing relevant petitions.
- Contacting elected representatives.
- Engaging neighbors about relevant issues.
- Supporting local housing projects.
With thoughtful, collective actions, people can affect their area’s housing decisions regardless of their age, background or other characteristics.
The Country Needs Improved Housing Now
Anyone can advocate for affordable, sustainable and transit-convenient homes. Ongoing appeals to authorities help everyone by increasing community resilience and opportunities. Now is the time to get engaged by supporting local initiatives that match these all-important goals.
About the Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and has been writing in the construction industry for over five years. She’s most passionate about sustainable building and incorporating similar resourceful methods into our world. For more from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.