A long-term rise in housing costs has led to what many describe as an affordability crisis across the United States. The increasing price of homes and high rents are affecting Americans nationwide, making home ownership less attainable and causing renters to spend a significant portion of their income on housing.
The Terner Center for Housing Innovation at the University of California, Berkeley is working to address these issues through policy research. Ben Metcalf, managing director of the Terner Center, appears in a new video explaining potential solutions in just over a minute and a half. This is part of an ongoing series that features UC Berkeley experts sharing concise explanations about their fields.
Metcalf emphasized the importance of stable housing for individuals and communities. “If we can’t start from that place of having a stable home, it’s very hard to do just about anything else,” he said.
The effects of unaffordable housing extend beyond those struggling with rent or mortgage payments. Rising costs can reduce community diversity and force out lower-wage workers and families. Essential services such as schools, retirement homes, restaurants, and daycares may find it difficult to hire staff if employees cannot afford local housing. The crisis also contributes to increased commuting distances, which can lead to higher pollution levels.
Metcalf noted that this situation undermines what has traditionally been considered a key part of the American dream—using homeownership as a means for economic advancement.
Despite these challenges, Metcalf remains optimistic about progress. “We generally know what we need to do, and we have the wherewithal politically to make it happen,” he said. He added that policy work from the Terner Center is already influencing decisions at state and local government levels.
For more information about the center’s current projects and history, readers are directed to this recent Berkeley News article.
Additional short videos featuring UC Berkeley faculty are available online for those interested in learning more about various topics.
