New buildings are going up from Oklahoma to Pennsylvania, California is changing how it builds homes, and Congress is looking at ways to pay for more of them. Here is what happened in affordable housing and Section 8 vouchers, and what it could mean for you.
Section 8 Vouchers and Regular Renters Under One Roof in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, builders broke ground on workforce affordable housing that accepts Section 8 vouchers. West Haven Flats will have 132 apartments near Will Rogers International Airport. They are for households earning between 30% and 70% of the typical income in the area.
Some residents will pay rent with a voucher. Others will pay on their own. The housing authority’s director said few projects in the city mix the two this way. The building is close to Amazon, Carvana, and Associated Grocers, so many residents could work nearby. The project costs $57 million, and doors are expected to open in fall 2028.
Congress Looks at Problems at Public Housing Agencies
On October 5, House Financial Services Committee leaders released a staff report on public housing agency failures. Chairman French Hill and Subcommittee Chairman Dan Meuser said staff reviewed more than 100,000 pages of documents. The report says agencies often fail to keep homes safe, clean, and livable. It suggests ways to improve housing quality and the way HUD checks on agencies.
The release also notes that in June the House passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. It includes changes to Section 8, a push to get more landlords to join the program, and tighter oversight of troubled agencies.
The HOME Program Has New Rules on Paper, but Not Yet in Practice
A new Congressional Research Service report says the HOME affordable housing grant program changed under a law signed July 11, but HUD’s written rules have not caught up. HOME sends about $1.25 billion a year to 625 state and local governments for affordable housing.
The new law removes a 24-month deadline for committing funds. It also raises the income limit for homebuyers from 80% to 100% of the typical area income. The top purchase price goes from 95% to 110% of the area’s typical home price. HUD has until July 11, 2027, to write some of the new rules.
A Senate Bill Would Triple the Main Tax Credit for Building Affordable Housing
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse reintroduced a bill to expand the low-income housing tax credit, the Affordable Housing Construction Act. The credit is the main federal tool for paying to build affordable rental apartments. Since 1986 it has helped finance 3.9 million homes. The country is short about 7.2 million rental homes.
The bill would:
- Triple each state’s share of the credit starting in 2027.
- Make a temporary 12.5% boost permanent.
- Set aside one-third of each state’s share for projects with features like accessible units or homes for the lowest-income renters.
- Extend the time apartments must stay affordable from 30 years to 50.
- End a rule that lets owners cut that period short.
Senator Jack Reed is a cosponsor. Rhode Island housing leaders estimate at least $68 million more a year for the state. Novogradac, a firm that follows tax credit news, also summarized the Senate bill to expand low-income housing tax credits. It noted that Novogradac’s Housing Tax Credit Finance Conference takes place December 3-4 in Las Vegas.
Who Is Struggling Most With Rent
The National Low Income Housing Coalition released a fact sheet on Hispanic and Latino renters. These households make up 21% of all renters and 22% of the lowest-income renters. About 55% spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Nearly 15% say they always or often struggled to pay rent in the last two years. The fact sheet comes in English and Spanish, and it asks Congress to protect and expand funding for affordable housing and homelessness programs.
The same group opened early bird registration for the 2027 Housing Policy Forum. Early prices run through December 1 and are $650 for members, $750 for non-members, and $125 for low-income attendees. Prices go up December 2. Harvard professor Sarah Lewis will give the opening talk on March 3.
If You Need Help Fast
Section 8 waiting lists can be long, but some people qualify for faster help when they are in a crisis. If you are facing homelessness or a dangerous living situation, see how to apply for emergency Section 8 and what to have ready before you start.
HUD Shows Off New Ways to Build Homes
HUD pointed to affordable housing ideas from the Rocky Mountain region at its Innovative Housing Showcase, held September 22-24 on the National Mall. This year’s theme was “Made in America.” The event featured manufactured, 3D-printed, and modular homes. Colorado’s Building America program shared tips on cutting building costs. The “Big Green House” from a Montana group was one of the display homes.
California Moves to Speed Up Affordable Housing
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a California law to speed up affordable housing projects in July. Supporters say it sends money to projects that are ready to build, with priority for affordable rentals. Newsom pointed to a 59% rise in home building and a 57% drop in the time it takes to get permits. The law passed with strong support from both parties.
New Homes for Bus and Train Workers in Santa Clara County
A new state law gives employees of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) first chance at affordable housing for VTA workers built on the agency’s land. Of the 10,000 homes VTA plans to build, 4,000 will be affordable. A survey found 94% of workers were interested.
The need is clear. The typical home in Santa Clara County costs about $1.6 million, and typical rent is about $3,800 a month. One in four VTA workers drives more than an hour each way to work. VTA plans to bring a draft policy to its board in December.
Nashville Approves a Record Amount for Affordable Housing
Nashville leaders advanced a record $40.2 million affordable housing investment that could create or save 1,106 homes. The money comes from the Barnes Housing Trust Fund and will go to 14 nonprofits. Final approval is expected by the end of November, pending a vote by the city council.
One resident, a teacher who moved into a Barnes-funded building, now walks to work and saves more than $400 a month on rides. Since it started, the fund has put in $224 million and helped build or save more than 7,600 homes.
A Lender That Sticks With Affordable Housing
Higher interest rates have made it harder to borrow for housing, but Community Development Trust’s affordable housing finance model is still growing. The company manages about $3 billion across 45 states and regions, supporting more than 33,000 homes and 115,000 residents. It recently raised $50 million.
Most of its buildings serve households earning up to 60% of the typical area income. Many have Section 8 contracts tied to the building or long-term rent limits. Its report estimates residents save an average of $137 a month on a one-bedroom and $180 on a two-bedroom compared with market rents. About 51% of residents have lived in their apartments five years or more.
Senior Apartments Break Ground in Fort Wayne
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, builders broke ground on affordable housing for seniors in southeast Fort Wayne. The $14 million project at 1902 McKinnie Avenue will have 50 apartments, plus a small retail space, a laundry room, and exercise space.
Fort Wayne Business Weekly added details on senior affordable housing at Village Premier. It is for people 55 and older earning about $20,000 to $57,000 a year. Rents range from under $400 a month for a studio to $2,000 for a two-bedroom. The building should be done in 12 to 14 months. It is the third phase of a project that has brought more than $60 million to the area.
States Will Pay You to Add a Backyard Home
Business Insider reports on states that will pay you to build a tiny home if you own property. These small units, often called ADUs, can cost $100,000 to $300,000 to build. Here is what the article found:
- Colorado: A funding round runs through October 23, 2026.
- Hawaii: Maui offers grants up to $100,000, and Kaua’i offers fee waivers worth nearly $20,000.
- Massachusetts: Homeowners can get up to $500 toward a study of what building would take.
- New York: The Plus One program works through cities and nonprofits.
- Vermont: Homeowners can get up to $50,000, with applications expected this fall.
- California: The state’s $40,000 program has run out of money.
Many programs require you to keep the rent low or rent to full-time residents.
First-Time Buyers Face a Widening Affordability Gap
Home prices are rising faster than paychecks, and the affordability gap for first-time buyers is growing. KCRA reports that the monthly mortgage payment on a typical U.S. starter home is $2,158, according to the National Association of Realtors. A buyer would need to earn at least $103,584 a year to afford it, but first-time buyers earn about $72,100. That leaves a gap of more than $31,000.
Mortgage rates have climbed to 7.28%, and high rents make it hard to save for a down payment. Starter homes are also not opening up as much as they used to, since the typical owner of one is 59 and many people stay in theirs long term. If you’re saving for a first home, ask your state or city housing agency what down payment help is available.
The Midwest Is the Most Affordable Region
A new Economic Innovation Group report found that the Midwest is now the most affordable region. The most affordable markets are in Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania. In Le Mars, Iowa, residents spent only 17% of their income on housing in 2024.
The lead could be short-lived. More people are moving to the Midwest, and in places like Appleton, Wisconsin, homes have fallen short of demand. The report says keeping prices low means building more homes.
Dates to Watch
- October 23: Colorado backyard home funding round closes
- November 10: Miami-Dade public hearing on Section 8 rules
- End of November: Final approval for Nashville’s $40.2 million
- December 1: Early bird pricing ends for NLIHC’s 2027 forum
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