The Evolving Landscape of Social Housing in New England

In response to worsening housing affordability, the idea of “social housing” has been gaining momentum across the US. While the details differ, most proposals and initiatives would permanently keep housing off the private market; expand the public sector’s role in financing, developing, and/or managing projects; emphasize broad inclusion by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; and give residents more control over their homes and communities.

While this movement represents a push for new ways to supply affordable homes, it will inevitably draw on existing institutions and current legal, policy, and financial frameworks, particularly in New England, which has a well-established affordable housing ecosystem.

The Evolving Landscape of Social Housing in New England brings together practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and researchers to describe existing models of social housing in New England and new efforts to design, fund, build, and manage accessible, diverse, and sustainable housing. Speakers will discuss the strengths and limitations of different approaches and explore the interplay between architecture, policy, finance, construction, and community development.

Host or Publisher Harvard University Graduate School of Design