Biden Wants to Boost Affordable Housing. Easier Said Than Done.
Biden Wants to Boost Affordable Housing. Easier Said Than Done. The New Republic
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The Importance of Housing Policy in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
The cost of housing has become a significant challenge for many Americans, creating an opportunity for politicians to address this issue and gain support. President Joe Biden, as he begins his reelection campaign, is focusing on proposals to lower the cost of living. In his recent State of the Union address and budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, he outlined several policies aimed at making housing more affordable for renters and first-time homebuyers.
President Biden’s Proposals
President Biden’s proposals include increasing funding for the housing choice voucher program, investing in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and providing rental assistance for low-income populations. He has also suggested tax credits to make homeownership more accessible and funding for a program to assist low-income first-generation homebuyers.
The Housing Affordability Crisis
In 2022, over 22 million households in the United States spent more than 30 percent of their monthly income on rent and utilities, making them “cost-burdened.” Among these households, 12.1 million spent more than half of their income on housing costs. The lack of affordable housing is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
The Need for Ambitious Solutions
While President Biden’s proposals are comprehensive, some housing experts argue that they may not go far enough. They believe that more ambitious goals and proposals are necessary to effectively tackle the housing affordability crisis. However, passing such policies in Congress is challenging, as even when Democrats held the majority, they were unable to pass ambitious affordable housing proposals.
The Role of Tax Credits and Building More Units
President Biden’s proposed tax credits may not fully address the affordable housing crisis, but they can serve as catalysts for long-term solutions. Building more housing units is crucial to increasing the supply and addressing the demand for affordable housing. The pace of building has been slow since the foreclosure crisis, leading to higher rents and homelessness.
The Path Forward
Although President Biden’s budget proposals may not pass in their current form, they provide a starting point for further discussions on affordable housing. It is essential to find bipartisan solutions to address the rising cost of housing and ensure fair access for everyone. Meaningful action is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to affordable housing.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the high cost of housing and the need for affordable housing options, which relates to the goal of eradicating poverty.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the shortage of affordable housing units and the need for long-term solutions to address the housing crisis, which aligns with the goal of creating sustainable cities and communities.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article mentions the importance of bipartisan solutions and meaningful action to address the cost of housing and ensure fair access for everyone, which relates to the goal of promoting partnerships for sustainable development.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property – This target is relevant as it addresses the need for equal access to affordable housing and economic resources.
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums – This target is directly related to the issue discussed in the article, which is the need for affordable housing options.
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships – This target is relevant as it emphasizes the importance of partnerships in addressing the housing crisis and achieving sustainable development goals.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards ensuring equal rights to economic resources, including access to affordable housing.
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
- Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships – This indicator can be used to measure progress in promoting effective partnerships in addressing the housing crisis.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 1: No Poverty | Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property | Indicator 1.4.2: Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships | Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newrepublic.com
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