This Week in Affordable Housing: Week of September 22, 2025
Affordable housing continues to dominate headlines across the country as local governments, nonprofits, private companies, and even Congress take steps—sometimes small, sometimes bold—to address the growing housing crisis. From new construction projects to political debates, the past week has brought a wave of developments worth noting. Here’s a roundup of the biggest stories in affordable housing and Section 8.
Congress Expands Housing Assistance Program
One of the more surprising developments this week came from Washington, D.C. While political fights often slow down progress, Congress has agreed on one housing assistance program worth expanding. As Governing reported, lawmakers have come together to support an increase in funding for mobility programs that help families using Section 8 vouchers move to neighborhoods with better schools, safer streets, and stronger job opportunities. The program shows bipartisan interest in not just providing vouchers but also helping families use them effectively.
Amazon’s Affordable Housing Promise Under Review
A few years ago, Amazon pledged billions to support affordable housing near its corporate hubs. But as the Seattle Times reports, questions remain about how much progress has actually been made. While Amazon has helped finance thousands of affordable units, critics argue the need still far outweighs the company’s contributions. Rising rents around Seattle, spurred in part by tech growth, highlight how difficult it is for even large private commitments to keep pace with demand.
Private Sector Investments in Affordable Housing
Other private companies are stepping into the affordable housing space as well. Multifamily Dive covered the news that TruAmerica Multifamily has launched a new operations platform specifically focused on affordable housing and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The company aims to streamline property management for affordable units while scaling up its presence nationwide. This kind of private investment may help fill some of the gaps left by limited public funding.
Local Success in South Bend
In South Bend, Indiana, the South Bend Heritage Foundation is pushing forward with a multi-phase affordable rental project on West Wayne Street. The foundation is working to overcome barriers like rising construction costs by piecing together financing from multiple sources. The goal is to create housing that is both high-quality and affordable, while also revitalizing parts of the city.
Political Firestorm: Trump Attacks Newsom’s Housing Plan
National politics collided with local housing this week as former President Donald Trump criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to expand low-income housing. According to Newsweek, Trump’s comments painted the effort as wasteful, sparking another round of debate about California’s housing policies. California remains ground zero for the nation’s housing crisis, with high rents, visible homelessness, and complex zoning battles.
Construction Begins in La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse, Wisconsin, is celebrating the groundbreaking of a $23 million affordable housing development. As News 8000 reported, this project will add badly needed units to a city facing rising rents and limited supply. Developments like this often take years of planning and coordination, but each new build helps chip away at housing shortages in smaller urban centers.
Oklahoma City Hosts Affordable Housing Forum
Community engagement is also taking center stage in Oklahoma City. The Free Press reports that the city will host an Affordable Housing Forum on September 23, giving residents, developers, and policymakers a chance to discuss challenges and solutions. Forums like this allow local voices to be heard and can help shape housing strategies that balance growth with affordability.
Faith-Based Support: The YIGBY Act
A unique policy development is the rise of “Yes in God’s Backyard” (YIGBY) initiatives. The Mortgage Reports highlighted the Affordable Housing Act connected to this movement, which allows faith-based organizations to more easily build housing on their land. Many churches and synagogues own valuable property in residential areas, and YIGBY aims to unlock that land for affordable housing.
Protecting Veterans’ Access to Housing
On Capitol Hill, Congressman Blake Moore of Utah announced support for a bipartisan bill to protect disabled veterans’ access to affordable housing programs. His office released a press statement explaining that the legislation ensures veterans using benefits are not unfairly penalized when applying for housing assistance. For many veterans, access to stable housing is one of the most critical steps toward long-term stability.
Oklahoma City’s Largest Housing Project Moves Forward
Also in Oklahoma City, KOCO News reported that the city’s largest affordable housing project is making steady progress. While construction delays and cost increases are common in today’s market, this large-scale effort is still moving forward, signaling the city’s commitment to expanding its affordable stock.
Finding the Best Cities for Section 8
For families navigating Section 8 housing, location makes a huge difference. Some cities have shorter waitlists and more landlord participation than others. If you’re considering where to apply, you may find this guide on the 10 easiest places to receive Section 8 housing useful. It offers practical insights into cities where families have a better chance of finding affordable, stable homes through the program.
Looking Ahead
The news this week highlights the many layers of America’s housing challenges—and the wide range of efforts underway to address them. From congressional bills and state initiatives to local groundbreaking ceremonies, the push for affordable housing is happening everywhere.
As families continue to struggle with high rents and limited supply, the need for action has never been greater. Whether through small city projects in places like La Crosse and South Bend, major initiatives in California, or bipartisan legislation in Washington, progress is happening. But as advocates remind us, there’s still a long way to go.
Navigating the Section 8 housing process can feel overwhelming, and that's where Section 8 Search comes in. We're more than just a listing website; we're a dedicated resource designed to make finding housing under the Housing Choice Voucher Program straightforward and stress-free. Our platform offers user-friendly tools to explore listings and waiting list statuses nationwide, all built on official HUD data. We're also passionate about providing clear, helpful information and guidance, empowering you with the knowledge you need to understand eligibility, complete your application, and confidently navigate your housing journey.
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