**ULI Report Outlines Local and State Solutions to the Housing Crisis**
With federal housing policy still uncertain, state and local governments are increasingly taking action to address the ongoing housing crisis. While the National Housing Crisis Task Force has made recommendations for enhanced federal involvement, tangible progress has been limited. In some cases, there are even talks of rolling back key tools designed to support new housing production.
In response, jurisdictions across the country are stepping up with their own rules and legislation. The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Terwilliger Center for Housing recently released a report titled *Building the Future 2025: A Blueprint for Housing Innovation*, highlighting how state and local efforts can help fill the leadership void and drive meaningful change.
One of the primary recommendations in the report is to remove barriers that restrict housing supply. Common challenges across different regions include outdated zoning codes, lengthy permitting processes, rigid property assessment systems, and heavy tax burdens—especially those that hinder affordable housing development. In 2025, the report notes, cities and states are increasingly modernizing their systems by pairing zoning reform with targeted incentives to encourage new housing construction.
The report’s second recommendation is to better align housing strategies with investments in infrastructure, data systems, and public resources. It emphasizes that effective housing policy now requires interagency and cross-sector collaboration. By integrating housing efforts with transportation and infrastructure planning, communities can develop residential options in areas that offer proximity to jobs, schools, and essential services.
The third key recommendation involves utilizing land, financial capital, and innovative construction approaches to meet housing demands. The report argues that traditional financing methods are no longer sufficient to solve today’s affordability issues. In response, public sector leaders are turning to creative funding models such as affordable housing loan funds, bond allocations, and tax increment financing. These tools aim to close development gaps and accelerate stalled projects.
The report also spotlights housing development reforms in several states, including Massachusetts, New York, Georgia, and Florida. The report concludes by stating that governments are no longer waiting for federal directives—they are forging their own paths toward stable, affordable, and accessible housing.
By focusing on local action and innovation, states and cities are shaping the future of housing policy in America.
