Do you want to know more about some of the ideas we’ve referenced in this housing series? We’ve cultivated a good list of links, that you can use to learn more! We also want to know what you thought of our housing discussion, please comment, like and share!

There are a lot of ways that affordability can manifest itself in the architecture of our homes. The first step is reconsidering zoning laws that restrict a more comprehensive and broad approach.

“We can’t forget that housing is a human right. Houses are not just for sale. Houses are for people, and we have to think of them first.” – Tatiana Bilbao

This increase of wealth relative to the supply of housing is a key cause of gentrification. Locally, demand and investment have spurred interest in OTR. In 2002 there were 3,235 units of affordable (30% AMI) there. In 2015, that number was reduced to 869 (Community Building Institute). Currently, average rents in OTR for 850 square feet are over $1,600 per month and rising.

The point is not intended to discourage new housing development, but to avoid a crisis in housing where what is provided is out of reach of most of the community. These considerations are important issue for all of us.