The D.C. region needs to build 87 new homes per day. It’s not close.
The D.C. region needs to build 87 new homes per day. It's not close. The Washington Post
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Meeting Housing Targets in the D.C. Region: A Sustainable Development Challenge
The Current Housing Shortage
In 2019, a group of D.C.-area elected leaders identified the need to build at least 320,000 housing units in the next decade to accommodate the region’s growth. However, a recent analysis by The Washington Post reveals that the region is falling behind the pace needed to meet this target. As of 2023, the region has only produced an average of about 60 units per day, creating a deficit of more than 40,000 units.
The Role of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG)
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), composed of regional lawmakers, established the housing target in response to the worsening housing shortage. The target requires the addition of more than 87 units per day to meet the region’s growth needs.
Disparities in Housing Production
Housing production is not evenly distributed across the region. The Post’s analysis found that D.C., Arlington County, Falls Church, and Alexandria are on track to exceed their share of the housing targets. However, the other nine jurisdictions represented by COG are lagging behind. Fairfax County, the most populous jurisdiction in the region, is projected to build only 36 percent of its target.
Impact of the Pandemic and Labor Shortages
The COVID-19 pandemic and labor shortages have contributed to the housing shortfall. The economic impact of the pandemic, combined with higher interest rates and a shortage of construction workers, has made it challenging for developers to meet housing demand.
Challenges Faced by Different Jurisdictions
Only D.C., Prince George’s County, and the City of Alexandria have officially adopted COG’s housing targets. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has rejected the targets, stating that they do not accurately capture the region’s housing demands. Other jurisdictions are playing catch-up due to the relatively new problem of housing affordability.
Efforts to Address the Housing Shortage
Local governments and lawmakers are taking steps to address the housing shortage. Proposed legislation in the District, Maryland, and Virginia aims to remove red tape for housing development, provide subsidies for affordable housing, and repurpose vacant offices and underused church land for housing. However, there is no one solution to solve the problem.
The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The housing shortage in the D.C. region highlights the need to prioritize Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This goal emphasizes the importance of providing adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing for all residents. Meeting housing targets is crucial for achieving this goal and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to safe and affordable housing.
Sources: The Washington Post, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND), Urban Institute
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed:
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Targets Identified:
- Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
Indicators Identified:
- Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing
- Indicator 11.1.2: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities
The article discusses the housing shortage in the D.C.-area and the region’s failure to meet the target of building at least 320,000 housing units in the next decade. This issue is directly connected to SDG 11, which aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing for all. The specific target identified is Target 11.1, which focuses on ensuring access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and upgrading slums. The indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards this target are Indicator 11.1.1, which measures the proportion of the urban population living in slums or inadequate housing, and Indicator 11.1.2, which measures the proportion of the population with convenient access to public transport.
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Indicator 11.1.2: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities |
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Source: washingtonpost.com
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