WHEREAS:
The U.S. is experiencing a deep, persistent shortage of affordable homes, especially for low-income renters. The latest 2026 reports show rising costs, shrinking supply and underfunded assistance programs converging into a nationwide crisis. Organizations such as the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimate that today the U.S. is facing a shortage of 7.2 million affordable rental homes for low-income households, with only 35 affordable units available per 100 renters who need them; and
WHEREAS:
The pervasive shortage of housing affordable to the lowest-income renters is the result of systemic failures in both the private market and public policy; and
WHEREAS:
New rental construction, absent subsidy, is targeted to the higher end of the rental market; and
WHEREAS:
Home construction started declining during the 2008 recession and unfortunately has not rebounded. Cost burdens are at record highs, construction is slowing and federal assistance reaches only 1 in 4 low-income eligible households; and
WHEREAS:
There is a major housing crisis exacerbated by economic, geographic and public policy factors. And, as a result, there is a shortage of homes across the nation for both rent and sale.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will lobby Congress to expand federal rental assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing funding), increase production of affordable units through tax credits and subsidies and work to preserve existing low-rent stock through rehabilitation funding; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will continue to lobby Congress and elected officials on the state and federal levels to establish productive dialogue with realtors and land developers to increase the number of housing units for homeowners and renters; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME will continue to work with elected officials including the current administration to ensure, support and bolster access to affordable housing for all.
SUBMITTED BY:
Juliet White, President and Delegate
Sheera Glass, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Local 154, District Council 37
New York