The Affordable Housing Committee of the Crosstown Coalition was formed to address the pressing problem of the huge shortfall of affordable housing across Philadelphia. We believe that housing (and income) diversity throughout the City is a goal that makes our neighborhoods better and more equitable. The Inquirer estimates that half of  all renters are paying 50% or more of their monthly income on rent, which is unaffordable (30% is considered affordable).  And the problem is not getting better.  

 

The Affordable Housing Committee meets to keep Members (and other guests) up to date on affordable housing issues and find ways our organizations and allies can support the development of more affordable housing to ease the crisis in an equitable way.  We believe that adopting better policies and finding great development examples will help to promote more projects and changes we need to address this problem.

 

Areas we've been exploring over the past few years, and suggesting Members support, include making it easier to create Accessory Dwelling Units (AKA Mother-in-law Suites or Granny Flats) that support aging in place, mixed-income requirements and incentives for new developments, tax incentives for affordable housing development, and ways to encourage developers and homeowners to preserve and create more affordable housing, both rental and homeownership across the City.

 

The Committee meets every month or two to explore strategies and to bring good information and recommendations to the broader Coalition.  

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