Affordable Housing Crisis
Definition
The shortage of housing that low- and moderate-income families can afford, typically defined as spending no more than 30% of income on housing. In Louisville, many renters are ‘cost burdened’ (paying more than 30% of income for housing).
Louisville Context
Louisville faces a shortage of affordable housing units, and rents have outpaced what many renters earn. Result: families forced to choose between rent and food/medicine, overcrowding, homelessness risk.
Why It Matters
Housing instability destroys lives: kids change schools constantly, families face eviction, health deteriorates, employment becomes impossible. Solving the affordable housing crisis improves education, health, economic mobility, and community stability.
My Proposal
Attack housing crisis from multiple angles: (1) require affordable units in new developments (inclusionary zoning), (2) create housing trust fund, (3) streamline permits for affordable housing, (4) protect tenants from unfair evictions, (5) preserve existing affordable housing stock.