Bill Overview
Title: Homes for All Act of 2021
Description: 2021 This bill provides funding for the construction of new public housing units, authorizes additional assistance for the construction of new affordable housing units, and otherwise addresses housing affordability. Specifically, the bill provides permanent, mandatory funding for the capital and operating funds available to public housing agencies (PHAs) and allows PHAs to use such funds to construct new public housing units. Under current law, a PHA generally may not use such funds to construct public housing units if doing so would result in a net increase of the number of public housing units owned, assisted, or operated by the PHA. The bill also (1) provides annual funding through FY2032 for the construction of new public housing units; and (2) authorizes additional assistance through FY2032 from the Housing Trust Fund for the construction of new, private-market, affordable housing units. A PHA may not discriminate, with respect to the rental of a unit developed with assistance under the bill, based on an individual's criminal record or immigration status. Additionally, a PHA receiving such assistance must meet specified requirements with respect to the new units regarding other forms of discrimination, supportive services, environmental standards, and accessibility. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a Community Control and Anti-Displacement Fund to award grants to local governments for the purpose of combatting gentrification and neighborhood destabilization.
Sponsors: Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals experiencing housing affordability issues globally
Estimated Size: 48000000
- The bill targets the issue of housing affordability and the construction of public housing units.
- Currently, there are about 1.2 million public housing units in the U.S.
- Approximately 10 million people in the U.S. live in public housing or receive federal rental assistance.
- The bill targets not only the existing public housing residents but also aims to reduce the affordable housing shortage.
- The bill's impact also extends to individuals who face discrimination based on criminal record or immigration status.
- Gentrification and neighborhood destabilization are also targeted by this bill, impacting communities facing such issues.
Reasoning
- The Homes for All Act targets a wide range of individuals affected by housing affordability issues and discrimination policies related to rental properties.
- Approximately 48 million Americans experience housing affordability issues (1 in 7), directly indicating the potential population size that can be impacted positively by this piece of legislation.
- The policy also sets non-discrimination mandates which are beneficial to certain marginalized groups.
- The policy includes measures against gentrification and neighborhood destabilization that affect numerous communities.
- Since the budget is finite, it cannot cover the entire affected population but can significantly impact those within designated programs.
- Targeting both the immediate and prolonged stability and accessibility of housing units through public and private partnerships addresses short-term and long-term goals.
Simulated Interviews
Barista (New York City, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel a lot of stress related to finding a place that's affordable in New York.
- If I had public housing options, I could save for my student loans.
- I worry about the increasing rent every year.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Construction worker (Kansas City, MO)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More public housing could mean better conditions for my kids.
- Security is a big factor when you have children.
- I appreciate the fairness in housing opportunity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My biggest worry is being discriminated against because of my immigration status.
- More housing options will help reduce my expenses.
- It's good to know there's a safety net with the discrimination clause.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Cleveland, OH)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Housing is too expensive for many retirees like myself.
- I hope this policy makes it easier to find affordable places closer to my family.
- I'm concerned about gentrification in my area increasing my rent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill would hopefully create more housing options near good schools for my children.
- Housing affordability is a big issue in Austin.
- I think this policy will help families more.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If more affordable housing becomes available, I could cut down on my commute.
- I worry about rent getting too high to handle on my salary.
- I believe this policy might help people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Artist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Advocating for this policy is necessary for creatives like me in the city.
- Affordable housing models could address the housing crisis in competitive areas.
- Gentrification is an issue displacing communities here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
College Student (Miami, FL)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a student, more affordable housing can ease the financial burden.
- The policy could create more equitable options for young people.
- Considering future challenges in Miami housing market, this is essential.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Restaurant Manager (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I need more space for my family; hope this bill can help.
- Affordable housing shortage is a real struggle for us.
- Old units are unsafe and not conducive to raising children.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Retired Nurse (Boston, MA)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A video about this policy sounded like it could significantly help retirees like me in need of support.
- It's important to have affordable housing options as we age.
- The anti-displacement angle lets me stay in the community I love.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $7500000000 (Low: $6500000000, High: $8500000000)
Year 2: $8000000000 (Low: $7000000000, High: $9000000000)
Year 3: $8500000000 (Low: $7500000000, High: $9500000000)
Year 5: $9000000000 (Low: $8000000000, High: $10000000000)
Year 10: $10000000000 (Low: $9000000000, High: $11000000000)
Year 100: $12000000000 (Low: $11000000000, High: $13000000000)
Key Considerations
- Inter-agency coordination and collaboration between federal, state, and local entities will influence outcomes.
- Real estate market conditions and construction industry capabilities impact the feasibility of scaling housing projects rapidly.
- Legislative adjustments might be necessary to refine focus areas or eliminate any identified impediments post-implementation.