Supporting Local Solutions to Expand Housing Supply and Promote Affordability
Adopted at the 93rd Annual Meeting in 2025
WHEREAS, according to The United States Conference of Mayors research with the American Institute of Architects, 42% of households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, putting enormous pressure on renters and buyers alike; and
WHEREAS, a 2023 study by Up for Growth estimates that the United States is short 3.8 million homes, and a 2025 Realtor.com® analysis places the gap closer to 4.5 million, with both studies concluding that more than 70% of metropolitan areas are underproducing housing, contributing to affordability crises across the nation; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, rising housing costs have outpaced income growth and inflation and the average single-family home now costs $503,800, more than twice what it would cost had prices tracked with inflation since 1963; and
WHEREAS, a 2025 Realtor.com study indicates that delays in permitting, overly restrictive zoning, and outdated building codes can add substantial costs to housing, disproportionately affecting first-time buyers and working-class families; and
WHEREAS, according to a 2021 National Association of Home Builders study, regulatory costs account for nearly one-quarter of the final price of a new home, and cities that streamline approvals often experience stronger tax bases, improved workforce retention, and more resilient local economies; and
WHEREAS, housing initiatives that provide data, visibility, and public support can provide mayors, builders, and residents opportunities to achieve local goals; and
WHEREAS, the HOME (Home Options for Mobility and Equity) Initiative in Austin, Texas, and other similar initiatives, have shown that achieving predictability and efficiency in zoning and permitting can expand supply and ensure that housing is attainable for current and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the HOME (Home Options for Mobility and Equity) Initiative in Austin, Texas, addresses the housing challenges by increasing housing options in single-family zoned areas; and
WHEREAS, at SXSW 2025, Mayor Kirk Watson of Austin, Texas and Realtor.com highlighted a national initiative named Let America Build that equips local leaders with tools to unlock housing solutions and elevates the voice of mayors, builders, and residents ready to create more housing; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports local efforts and initiatives to modernize housing policies, reduce barriers, and implement zoning and permitting reforms that promote housing affordability, equity, and supply.