Managing the Essential Link: Affordable Housing & Economic Development

While often overlooked, affordable housing is a significant contributor to economic development. Well-designed housing programs have the potential to benefit not just the surrounding community, but also the residents of those neighborhoods. However, lack of housing at the right price points and locations may hinder businesses from attracting and retaining the workers they need. For instance, problems linked to increased transportation costs and reduced disposable income may cause workers to relocate to more affordable areas, decreasing the community's overall competitiveness. While economic developers tend to be focused on businesses, housing as a key attribute of your community may need to be addressed in your strategic economic development plan.

Hear about the numerous studies that have associated affordable housing with increased job creation, consumer spending, and sources of revenue streams for state and local governments, and the benefits it may have on a community's business industries. These factors can lead to a more stabilized, diverse, and satisfied employee-base.

During this webinar, you'll cover:

- The importance of affordable housing in a community's workforce and quality of life
- Collaborative efforts EDOs can champion with local government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector to address affordable housing and economic development
- Available financing tools for affordable housing