In January 2025, the United States Conference of Mayors and the American Institute of Architects released the results from the National Housing Survey. This survey recorded the responses of mayors in 120 cities throughout 43 states, representing 34,921,066 Americans. The findings reveal the housing crisis is “severe, widespread, and worsening.” It is clear that the housing crisis is no longer just an issue for big cities but a larger, systemic problem that now impacts the lives of many Americans. In a separate survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 69 percent of Americans reported that they are very concerned about the increasing cost of housing. Mayors widely recognized that the rising cost of housing and the lack of affordable housing are primary contributors to the housing crisis. Their message is simple: cities cannot face the housing crisis alone, and critical investment from the federal government is needed now. 

Over the past three years, the median rental price has increased by 18 percent, and since 2020, home prices have risen by over 40 percent. The financial strain of housing is nationwide, with 42 percent of households spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. Many households, particularly those who are low-income or have children, who spend 30 percent or more of their income on housing are considered “rent burdened” and struggle to afford other basic necessities outside of housing. Additionally, there is a deficit of 421,409 housing vouchers, which give families, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities living in poverty access to affordable housing. However, even if more vouchers are created, there are not enough properties that will accept them. Compounding the issue of housing affordability is the shortage of homes.

Currently, in the US, there is a shortage of four to seven million homes, and mayors predict this number will increase by 2,066,781 units in the next five years.

Understanding the factors that contribute to the housing crisis is an important initial step, but what can we do to solve the problem? 

Federal Intervention 

Mayors unanimously voiced strong support for continuing and expanding federal housing programs. These programs include the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Community Development Block Grants, Housing Choice Vouchers, and the Home Investment Partnership Program. Many mayors also noted the need for a new tax credit targeting housing for the middle class, whose housing options have dwindled significantly in recent years. Additionally, 89 percent of mayors emphasized the need for flexible and direct federal funding. These forms of funding are crucial to fostering the growth of housing, bridging funding gaps, and addressing the unique needs of each community. While the majority of mayors support the continuation of federal housing programs, they also acknowledge that reform of the cumbersome application and review processes is essential. Reducing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers ensures effective service delivery to people in often desperate and time-sensitive circumstances. 

There is overwhelming consensus from mayors that if Congress does not pass legislation addressing the housing shortage, US cities will suffer. Many mayors have made meaningful efforts to invest in housing development and update restrictive building codes to allow for more housing. However, even with the support of mayors, the housing crisis is too large of a burden to be remedied by any local government. The rising cost of housing and the absence of affordable housing are symptoms of a much larger issue of wealth inequality. In comparison to other developed nations, the United States exhibits one of the largest disparities between the rich and the poor. Systemic problems need system-wide solutions, and federal intervention is needed to address wealth inequality and the housing crisis.

During a time when large-scale investment is more important than ever, we cannot cut federal funding to programs that serve our most vulnerable populations.

Federal Funding Freeze

Housing Up will continue to advocate for and amplify the voices of the more than 900 families we serve. While the past few weeks of the new administration have been trying for many in our community, we recognize we must persevere. Last week, the American people used their voices and halted the White House’s freeze on federal funding. This victory is a testament to the power of collective action and community. However, the Trump administration has made it clear that funding for critical housing programs is still at risk. Current funding delays at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) could cause detrimental outcomes for homelessness and housing programs. If funding is frozen or delayed, organizations like Housing Up will face extreme difficulty providing resources and critical support for families. At Housing Up, we believe all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or citizenship status, deserve access to safe and affordable housing. Our mission is built on the principle that housing is a human right. If you support our mission and believe in the importance of housing, you can make a difference today by contacting your representatives and advocating for continued investment and the protection of housing resources and programs here.