High housing costs are a significant burden for many middle-class families. Expanding access to affordable housing through rent control policies, first-time homebuyer programs, and incentives for developers to create affordable units could ease financial pressure.
"Affordable housing refers to housing deemed financially accessible to households that earn below the median household income as measured by the US Census Bureau. The term also refers to government programs aimed at providing adequate housing options and relieving financial burdens on low-income tenants. Housing rental programs for low-income residents include subsidized housing, public housing, and housing choice vouchers to assist in paying for private housing. There are also federal programs aimed at encouraging homeownership. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit incentivizes developers to build or renovate housing units for low- and moderate-income families. Some municipalities also maintain zoning ordinances that require developers to construct and maintain units for low-income tenants."