Housing policies and programs can have different income requirements and focus areas. The two frames below provide ways to group housing programs.
Income Eligibility
Housing programs often use percent of “Area Median Income” (AMI) to determine eligibility. What is AMI? The filled bar indicates the maximum AMI that the program covers. Please note that some programs have various eligibility requirements and this is only a summary view.
People or Housing Units
Programs that assist individuals or families try to increase their ability to obtain or maintain housing. Programs that focus on units try to maintain or increase the “supply” of affordable housing. Icons indicate whether people or units are the target of the program.
Affordable Housing Financing and Development
Housing developers use debt or equity to finance the construction or rehabilitation of housing. But low-income rents and sales prices cannot cover the costs of repaying market-rate financing...
Homebuyer Assistance
First time homebuyers that meet income thresholds or other criteria can receive loan or down payment assistance and counseling for buying their first home.
Inclusionary Housing
Inclusionary housing programs require new housing projects to “include” affordable units or pay a fee.
Homeowner Assistance
Homeowners can receive a variety of assistance including education, grants, and loans to help them be successful homeowners.
Public Housing
Public housing provides rent-restricted housing to low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities...
Preference Programs
Housing preference programs give target groups priority access to affordable housing programs.
Rent Control
Rent control is a housing policy that regulates rent adjustments and evictions by private landlords.