## Bipartisan Support for Federal Housing Affordability Measures in Swing States
With housing affordability becoming a critical issue for many Americans, a recent survey by the Program for Public Consultation (PPC) reveals strong bipartisan support across six key swing states and nationwide for a variety of federal actions to address the crisis. The survey, conducted in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, along with a national sample, provides compelling evidence of a growing consensus on the need for government intervention in making housing more accessible, particularly for low and middle-income households.
The PPC’s findings highlight a significant shift in public opinion, demonstrating that a majority of Americans, including Republicans and Democrats, favor a multifaceted approach to tackling the issue. This includes substantial investments in building and repairing affordable housing, providing financial assistance for down payments, and implementing measures to curb large-scale corporate ownership of single-family homes.
Key Findings:
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Increased Funding for Affordable Housing:
The survey found overwhelming bipartisan support across all swing states and nationally for allocating $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households. This funding would be distributed through grants to cities and states and support for low-interest loans to home builders. This proposal garnered significant support from both Republicans and Democrats, indicating a strong consensus on the need for government intervention in increasing the supply of affordable housing.*
Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers:
A proposed $25,000 down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers, offering greater assistance to those whose parents never owned a home, also received strong support. While Democrats overwhelmingly favored this initiative, a majority of Republicans also expressed support, particularly in states like Georgia and Nevada. This finding highlights a recognition of the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers, particularly those from families with limited homeownership history.*
Curbing Corporate Ownership of Homes:
The survey explored concerns about the growing influence of corporations in the housing market, with some experts suggesting that increased corporate purchases are contributing to rising home prices. Two proposals aimed at reducing corporate ownership garnered significant bipartisan support. These proposals included requiring corporations to sell their single-family homes within a decade and prohibiting them from acquiring more, as well as denying corporations owning a significant number of homes federal tax deductions related to their ownership. This indicates a growing sentiment among Americans, regardless of party affiliation, that corporate involvement in the housing market needs to be addressed to ensure a fair and equitable playing field.*
Incentivizing Dense and Mixed-Use Housing:
The survey also examined the role of local zoning restrictions in contributing to affordability challenges. Recognizing the impact of single-family zoning on limiting housing density, respondents expressed support for continuing a federal policy that prioritizes funding for infrastructure repair to localities that allow more dense and mixed-use housing. While Democrats overwhelmingly supported this policy, Republicans were more divided. This finding underscores the need for a collaborative approach, involving both federal and local governments, to encourage more sustainable and equitable housing development.*
Increased Public Housing Vouchers:
The survey revealed strong bipartisan support for allocating $24 billion to increase the number of people eligible for public housing vouchers, providing additional financial assistance to low-income families seeking affordable rental options. This proposal garnered strong support from both Democrats and Republicans, indicating a shared understanding of the need to expand access to affordable housing for vulnerable populations.Significance of the Findings:
This survey provides valuable insights into the current state of public opinion on housing affordability in key swing states. The strong bipartisan support for federal intervention across various policy proposals highlights a growing recognition of the critical need to address the housing crisis. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, demonstrating the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach that leverages both federal and local resources to create a more just and accessible housing market for all Americans.
About the Survey:
The surveys were conducted between October 4-14, 2024, with a representative sample of 4,638 adults across the six swing states and nationwide. The Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy implemented the survey, using online non-probability panels and ensuring representation across demographic groups. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The margin of error for the national sample is +/-3.2%, while the margin of error for the state samples ranges from +/-4.5% to 4.6%.