Beyond question, the housing crisis in the United States is a deeply entrenched issue that affects millions of Americans. From rising rents and mortgage costs to the increasing scarcity of affordable housing, the struggle to secure stable, dignified housing has reached critical levels. At the center of this debate are varying political ideologies on how to address these challenges. On one hand, President Donald Trump’s first administration housing policies emphasized reducing federal intervention and promoting homeownership. On the other hand, a progressive manifesto calls for bold, sweeping reforms designed to address housing as a fundamental human right, advocating for increased investment, zoning reforms, and innovative solutions to the housing shortage.
The second Trump administration’s housing policy is expected to maintain a focus on limiting federal housing assistance and rethinking the role of public housing. During his first term, Trump proposed changes to programs like Section 8, particularly targeting noncitizens in households receiving assistance, and was focused on reducing immigration-related use of public housing vouchers. While he tried to distance himself from Project 2025, the policy playbook created by the Heritage Foundation will remain an influence on his vision. It is likely that Trump will push for tighter restrictions on housing assistance, prioritize single-family homeownership over affordable rental programs, and limit the availability of public housing vouchers, despite the widespread support they receive in red states.
For housing supply, Trump’s policies are expected to prioritize single-family homes in suburban areas, reflecting his version of the American Dream. This approach will conflict with the broader need for multifamily housing to address the nation’s housing crisis, especially in growing urban areas. The push to avoid adding affordable housing in suburbs stands to worsen housing shortages in high-demand regions. Trump’s administration may also revisit tax policies that impact housing, for example limiting state and local tax deductions, which hurts residents in high-tax states like New York. It may change the structure of programs like the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC), which supports affordable rental housing construction nationwide.
For cities like New York, Trump’s housing policies could lead to significant new challenges. Cuts to federal funding for HUD programs, such as Section 8 or the Community Development Block Grant, will force local governments to absorb the financial burden. Additionally, changes to fair housing laws will reduce federal oversight of segregation and discriminatory housing practices, potentially undermining efforts to address racial disparities in housing. While there could be benefits to less federal intervention and more local control, such changes would likely weaken the ability to implement progressive housing reforms and address the housing needs of low-income and immigrant communities.
In effect, the new administration’s housing policies will likely continue the trends from his previous administration. Efforts to scale back zoning laws and regulations on housing development could increase supply and lower prices. While large-scale affordable-housing programs may remain limited, private-sector incentives might encourage more development.
The administration may extend tax benefits to real estate developers and homebuyers and support homeownership through programs like Opportunity Zones. Past policies, such as rolling back fair housing rules and pushing for housing finance reform, may continue, potentially reducing government involvement and promoting private sector solutions to housing issues. However, the caveat remains that such approaches contribute to affordability challenges, particularly for low-income and minority communities. The success of future policies will depend on broader economic considerations within the political landscape.
Potential housing policies under a second term of President Donald Trump will likely focus on reducing zoning laws, increasing tax incentives for developers, and fostering public–private partnerships to encourage more private sector involvement in housing construction. However, these policies often risk prioritizing profit motives over actual affordability. The use of subsidies, like the LIHTC, can lead to the construction of higher-end or mixed-income units instead of truly affordable housing, as developers are incentivized to build where they can achieve the highest return. This profit-driven approach can exacerbate housing inequality. Additionally, it can lead to shortterm affordability at best, with rents rising once subsidies or tax breaks expire. While the goal of increasing housing supply is important, relying heavily on the private sector without sufficient safeguards to ensure long-term affordability could ultimately perpetuate the housing crisis rather than alleviate it.
In the face of a deepening housing crisis that leaves millions without access to safe, affordable homes, the time has come for bold, comprehensive action. Housing must be recognized as a fundamental human right, not a commodity or privilege. This manifesto outlines seven key areas of action to build a housing future that is equitable, sustainable, and inclusive for all Americans.
1: Streamline Zoning to Unlock Housing Potential
We must tear down the barriers to housing development by reforming zoning laws that restrict growth and perpetuate inequality. Federal leadership should push cities to adopt “byright” zoning, removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that stymie housing production. Policies must encourage higher-density housing, especially near public transit hubs, and incentivize municipalities to eliminate outdated regulations like minimum lot sizes and parking requirements. By empowering cities to build more housing where it’s most needed, we can alleviate the pressure on urban housing markets and create more inclusive communities.
2: Increase Funding for Affordbale Housing
The federal government must make an unprecedented investment in affordable housing. By significantly increasing funding for programs like the LIHTC and introducing new grants for local governments, we can address the overwhelming demand for affordable units in underserved communities. The goal is clear: to ensure that every American, no matter their income, has access to affordable, dignified housing. This funding should prioritize communities historically excluded from housing opportunities, ensuring equity in all new development.
3: Champion Innovtive, Costeffective Housing Solutions
To tackle the housing crisis, we must embrace innovation in construction. Modular and prefabricated housing offers a promising solution, reducing both construction costs and timelines. The federal government should partner with developers to launch pilot programs that demonstrate the potential of these methods. Tax incentives and grants should be provided to companies producing affordable modular units, and permitting processes should be streamlined to encourage rapid deployment. By fostering these innovations, we can deliver more affordable homes faster and more efficiently.
4: Expand Housing First Intiatives
We must prioritize solutions that directly address homelessness with a housing-first approach. This means providing stable housing to individuals without preconditions—no strings attached. By investing more heavily in Housing First programs, we can help those experiencing homelessness secure stable shelter while supporting them with essential services like mental health care, job training, and addiction treatment. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also empowers individuals to regain stability and dignity.
5: Support Community Land Trusts for Permanent Affordability
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) offer a sustainable model for creating and maintaining affordable housing. The federal government should provide both technical support and funding to help communities establish CLTs, ensuring that residents have control over their housing futures. By matching local funds for CLT projects, we can amplify community-led efforts to acquire and develop land for affordable housing. This model preserves affordability for generations, protecting communities from gentrification and displacement.
6: Preserve Public Housing and Prevent Displacement
The preservation of public housing is an essential part of the solution to the housing crisis. Section 9 of the U.S. Housing Act must be fully supported, with increased funding to maintain and rehabilitate existing public housing units. These investments should focus on preventing the deterioration of affordable units and protecting residents from displacement, especially as neighborhoods gentrify. Federal policy must ensure that tenants have strong protections during renovations, guaranteeing their right to stay in their homes while improvements are made.
7: Reinvigorate Innovation to Meet Housing Demands
Housing is not just about bricks and mortar—it’s about creating spaces that enhance the quality of life. The federal government must champion innovative housing design that incorporates human-centered principles, sustainability, and resilience. This includes exploring adaptable housing models like micro apartments, cohousing, and adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings. Federal housing initiatives should prioritize designs that promote community building and social integration, while also incorporating green technologies to reduce environmental impact. By creating flexible, scalable housing solutions, we can address the housing crisis at both the local and the national level.
!: A Future for Housing as a Right, Not a Luxury
The national housing crisis is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore. Through a combination of bold policy reforms, increased investment, and a commitment to innovation, we must create a future where housing is accessible to all. Every American deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and it is the responsibility of our federal government to make this a reality. Let us take these seven points of action to heart, work together with communities, and build a housing system that serves the needs of all people, not just the privileged few.
Viren Brahmbhatt is an architect, an urban designer, and the founder of de.Sign Studio in New York City. He is also an adjunct professor at CCNY’s The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture and formerly worked in the NYC Housing Authority’s Design Department.
Richard Plunz is emeritus professor of architecture, planning and preservation at Columbia University. His study A History of Housing in New York City remains an important resource in the field.
→ Continue reading at The Architect's Newspaper
