Housing costs have skyrocketed, making it tough for middle-income families to find affordable homes.
Essential workers—teachers, nurses, firefighters, and service employees—are being priced out of the very communities they serve.
That’s why the conversation around affordable and attainable housing is more important than ever.
So, what is attainable housing, and how can we solve the shortage?
- Attainable housing serves middle-income earners who don’t qualify for subsidies but struggle with market-rate homes.
- Key solutions include Missing Middle Housing, ADUs, and zoning reforms to increase supply and affordability.
- Successful programs in cities like Minneapolis and Austin show how policy changes can create more attainable housing.
- Supporting zoning reforms and public-private partnerships can help expand housing options for essential workers and families.
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Attainable Housing Definition: What Does It Mean?
Attainable housing refers to market-based housing options that middle-income earners can afford without government assistance.
A home is considered attainable if housing costs (rent or mortgage) do not exceed 30% of a household’s income.
This includes:
✔️ Attainable homeownership – Mid-priced homes that are within reach of middle-income buyers.
✔️ Attainable rental housing – Apartments or houses with reasonable rent based on local wages.
✔️ Diverse housing types – ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), duplexes, townhomes, and small multi-family homes.
Attainable Housing vs. Affordable Housing
Many people confuse attainable housing vs. affordable housing, but they serve different populations with some overlap:
Affordable housing refers to government-assisted options for low-income households, attainable housing focuses on people who earn too much for subsidies but not enough to afford market-rate homes comfortably.
| Feature | Affordable Housing 🏠 | Attainable Housing 🏡 |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Government-assisted housing for low-income households | Housing for middle-income earners who don’t qualify for subsidies but struggle with market rates |
| Income Level | Low-income (typically <80% of AMI*) | Moderate-income (80%-120% of AMI*) |
| Funding Sources | Government subsidies, tax credits, public programs | Private sector, local initiatives, employer-assisted housing |
| Who It Helps | Individuals and families needing financial aid for housing | Workforce professionals like teachers, nurses, and first responders |
| Common Housing Types | Public housing, Section 8, LIHTC properties | ADUs, smaller homes, co-housing, and mixed-income developments |
| Primary Goal | Ensure housing for low-income households | Provide reasonably priced homes for middle-income workers |
(*AMI = Area Median Income)
Many middle-income workers fall into the “missing middle”—they make too much to qualify for affordable housing programs but still struggle to buy or rent in expensive markets.
3 Attainable Housing Strategies: How to Solve the Housing Shortage
Several strategies can help make housing more attainable for middle-income individuals:
1. Missing Middle Housing: A Key Solution for Attainable Housing
One major solution is Missing Middle Housing, which includes housing types that fall between single-family homes and large apartment complexes.
Examples:
🏠 Duplexes & Triplexes – Multi-unit homes on the same lot to lower costs.
🏡 Townhomes, Condos & Cottage Courts – Small, attached homes that maximize land use.
🏘 Courtyard Apartments – Low-rise, multi-unit buildings that blend into neighborhoods.
🚧 Problem: Many cities restrict these housing types due to outdated zoning laws.
✅ Solution: Zoning reforms can allow more missing middle housing, increasing supply and making homeownership more attainable.
2. ADUs and Tiny Homes Are the Future
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and tiny homes are becoming popular housing solutions for many cities. They are a go-to for those looking for senior housing.
✔️ ADUs – Small, secondary units built on single-family lots (backyard cottages, garage conversions).
✔️ Tiny Homes – Compact, affordable homes (under 400 sq. ft.) designed for minimalist living.
How They Help:
🏡 More rental options – Homeowners can rent out ADUs for affordable prices.
📈 Increases housing supply – Cities can expand housing without major developments.
💰 Lower costs – Tiny homes and ADUs cost less than traditional homes.
Examples:
- Montgomery County housing programs are exploring ADUs as a way to increase supply.
- Portland, OR relaxed restrictions on ADUs to boost rental housing.
3. Public-Private Partnerships & Incentives for Builders
Cities can partner with private developers to create attainable housing programs.
💰 Tax incentives – Encourage builders to include mid-priced housing in new developments.
🏗 Reduced zoning barriers – Speed up approvals for duplexes, townhomes, and mixed-use housing.
Attainable Housing Initiatives and Solutions in Action
Several communities are taking steps to increase attainable housing availability:
🌆 Minneapolis, MN – Eliminated single-family zoning to allow more missing middle housing.
🏠 Austin, TX – Launched an housing initiative to create more workforce housing.
🏡 Disney Attainable Housing – A planned Disney World housing project will provide affordable options for employees.
Attainable Housing Programs and Advocates
Several organizations are working to solve the attainable housing shortage:
🏡 Attainable Housing Development Society – Advocates for middle-income housing policies.
🏘 Minnesota Attainable Housing Corporation – Provides homeownership assistance.
🏠 Leavenworth Attainable Housing Initiative – Helps fund attainable housing projects.
There are also industry conferences like the IMN Attainable Housing Forum, which brings together policymakers and developers to discuss solutions.
Making Housing More Attainable for Future Generations
Attainable housing is essential for sustainable communities. Without it, middle-income workers face:
❌ Long commutes – Causing stress and transportation costs.
❌ Limited homeownership – Reducing economic mobility.
❌ Job shortages – Businesses struggle when workers can’t live nearby.
How You Can Help Solve the Attainable Housing Shortage
✅ Support zoning reforms to allow more diverse housing types.
✅ Advocate for ADUs and tiny home legalization in your city.
✅ Encourage public-private partnerships that increase housing supply.
Conclusion: The Future of Attainable Housing
Attainable housing is not just a housing issue—it’s an economic issue. Without options for middle-income workers, communities struggle to thrive.
✅ Missing Middle Housing and ADUs/tiny homes provide cost-effective solutions.
✅ Attainable housing initiatives and public-private partnerships can increase supply.
✅ Policy changes—like zoning reforms—are crucial for long-term affordability.
🚀 Want to make a difference? Stay informed, support local attainable housing programs, and advocate for smart housing policies.
Frequently asked questions
How can communities support attainable housing?
They can change zoning laws, support mixed-use developments, and lower building costs.
What affects attainable housing availability?
Land costs, zoning laws, construction expenses, and market demand impact availability.
Why is attainable housing important?
It helps workers live near jobs, strengthens communities, and prevents housing shortages.
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