A higher cost of living typically follows behind growth + development in cities, but Columbia City Council is discussing ways it can incorporate affordable housing (homes for people who make 80% or less of the city’s median income) into Columbia’s growth, ensuring the city continues to be an affordable place to live.

Who qualifies for affordable housing? A single person making $37,500 or less per year or a household of four making ~$53,600 or less per year.

Here are some ideas city leaders came up with to promote affordable housing projects:

1️⃣ Offer perks (like land donations, faster approval processes + tax incentives) to developers to who include affordable housing in their development projects.

2️⃣ Put policies in place that encourage affordable housing (i.e. requiring developers to make a specific number of affordable homes in their development).

3️⃣ Build developments that can easily be turned into affordable housing if needed in the future.

4️⃣ Support putting affordable housing developments near places like schools, parks, commercial districts + transportation lines.

4 min read / The State

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