Policies
We are facing an unprecedented opportunity for reimagining where and how we build homes, and for creating a more affordable, resilient nation.
Our Plan
Our country is facing a severe housing shortage: we need to build millions of homes.
This shortage drives up housing costs, prevents people from living near good jobs and schools, and makes it all but impossible for many would-be buyers to break into the housing market.
Policymakers are taking notice.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, state and local governments passed 124 housing bills across 33 states, all aimed at increasing housing production. In 2026, Congress passed a comprehensive housing package of its own. This is the widest policy opening on housing in a generation, and the choices made now will shape the economy, transportation, energy and more for decades.
Given today’s fiscal constraints, the Housing Multiplier Project focuses on state and local policies that require limited public dollars, which then prime the pump for market forces, private capital, and targeted public investment to get housing built.
The evidence overwhelmingly shows that the following principles should guide where, what, and how we build:
Where
Homes in connected, lower-hazard established neighborhoods near jobs and services
What
More home types at price points people can afford—from single-family starter homes and townhomes to apartments and manufactured homes
How
Resilient, efficient homes that are better able to withstand disaster, lower utility costs, reduce pollution, and strengthen the grid
Outcomes
Housing is a force multiplier: shift it, and the entire system moves.
Our research shows that building more homes of all shapes and sizes in lower-hazard existing neighborhoods delivers multiplying economic, security, and environmental benefits:
Building resilient housing in lower-hazard zones better protects people and property from disasters. Reducing physical risk can also improve the odds in insurance risk pools, helping bolster insurance markets for both new and existing homes.
CloseCompared to greenfield construction, building in existing neighborhoods cuts upfront municipal infrastructure costs by an average $21,000 per home, halves long-term infrastructure maintenance costs, and generates 13% more tax revenue per acre.
CloseMore housing near jobs, stores, and transit can reduce how much people need to drive, saving up to $1,100 per person per year in transportation costs.
CloseWhen new homes are efficient, electric, grid-interactive, and paired with utility reforms, they can lower household utility costs, reduce peak demand, and help avoid new fossil fuel power plants.
CloseEmissions drop by 70 million tons per year, roughly equivalent to half the country buying electric vehicles by 2035.
CloseThe Policy Toolkit
Our research has identified six tactics that cities and states can adopt to make a real difference.
Our research draws on what's already working across the country, and focuses on reducing bureaucratic barriers and outdated regulations that limit housing supply—without sacrificing affordability, energy efficiency, insurability, and long-term security.
Cut red tape and allow homes of all shapes and sizes and for all budgets in connected, lower-hazard existing neighborhoods
Put public land in lower-hazard existing neighborhoods to work for affordable, resilient, efficient housing
Simplify public financing so dollars for income-restricted housing and starter homes go further
Make disaster-prepared construction the norm
Build lower utility costs into homes from the start through energy efficiency and grid interactivity
Align utility reforms with housing affordability and grid reliability