America Needs More Affordable Housing

The United States is facing a worsening housing crisis, and for millions of Americans, the dream of owning a home—or even securing stable, affordable rent—feels further out of reach than ever. Rising home prices, increasing rents, and a lack of supply have created a market where too many families are left behind. While policymakers focus on incentives for developers and interest rate adjustments, the country needs a more direct approach: a significant expansion of non-market housing.

Non-market housing—such as publicly funded apartments, community land trusts, and cooperative housing—plays a crucial role in providing stable, affordable living options outside the volatility of the private market. Unlike traditional real estate, these homes are protected from speculation and price surges, ensuring long-term affordability for working families, seniors, and low-income individuals. While the U.S. has some existing programs, they are woefully underfunded compared to the growing need.

The problem is particularly evident in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where skyrocketing property values have turned housing into a luxury investment rather than a basic necessity. Rent control measures and housing vouchers provide some relief, but they fail to address the core issue: there simply aren’t enough affordable homes. The private sector alone cannot fill this gap because it prioritizes profits over accessibility. A major public investment in non-market housing is necessary to rebalance the system.

Countries like Austria and Singapore provide strong examples of how large-scale public housing initiatives can work. Vienna, for instance, has nearly 60% of its population living in social housing, proving that affordability doesn’t have to mean poor quality. The U.S. has the resources to do the same but has lacked the political will. Federal, state, and local governments must work together to fund new developments, convert existing properties into permanently affordable units, and implement policies that prevent corporate interests from dominating the housing supply.

Expanding non-market housing isn’t just about fairness—it’s also good economics. High housing costs suppress consumer spending, contribute to homelessness, and create instability in local labor markets. When workers can’t afford to live near their jobs, businesses suffer, and communities become less vibrant. By investing in affordable housing, the government can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve overall quality of life.

Critics argue that public housing leads to mismanagement and dependency, but that argument ignores the realities of today’s crisis. The private market has already failed millions of Americans, and a stronger public role in housing is not only necessary but inevitable. If left unaddressed, the affordability gap will continue to grow, leading to more displacement, rising homelessness, and deepening inequality.

The U.S. has an opportunity to take bold action before the crisis worsens. Doubling down on non-market housing could bring stability to millions of Americans while strengthening communities and local economies. With political courage and public investment, affordable housing can be more than just an aspiration—it can be a reality.