Lawmakers unveil a bold plan to revamp public housing with a green twist, aiming to address environmental and accessibility issues.
Eugene Daniels reports for POLITICO.
In short:
- The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the 1999 Faircloth Amendment and allow for the expansion of public housing.
- It emphasizes clean energy improvements and aims to ensure unionized jobs in the process.
- Despite potential legislative hurdles, the move aims to shift the conversation on housing policy, which Democrats see as a winning political issue, to the left.
Key quote:
“Right now, we have an entire generation — that is ascending into becoming the most powerful electorate, the largest electorate — for which [home ownership] is decades away.”
— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)
Why this matters:
In addition to housing affordability, the integration of green energy into affordable housing projects is gaining traction, guided by both technology advancements and policy shifts. Trends for the upcoming year include a strong emphasis on sustainability through passive house design, sustainably sourced materials and site selections that promote resilient communities.
Be sure to read MỹDzung Chu’s piece arguing that housing security is key to environmental justice.
