Image credits - Business Insider
Advertisement
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is making housing affordability a centerpiece of her campaign, unveiling a bold plan to tackle the growing crisis that has left many Americans struggling with rising home prices and rents. Harris’s proposal, announced during her acceptance of the Democratic nomination, aims to address the severe housing shortage exacerbated by soaring costs and slow recovery from the 2007-2009 financial crisis.
Harris’s plan includes a commitment to build 3 million new housing units over the next four years. A new tax credit and a $25,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers are being offered to encourage developers to build homes for this audacious aim. Additionally, Harris proposes a $40 billion fund to encourage local governments to increase affordable housing projects and to streamline regulatory processes that currently hinder development.
The urgency of Harris’s proposal reflects widespread concern about housing costs, which have surged by 50% over the past five years while rents have climbed 35%, according to real estate firm Zillow. The U.S. faces a shortfall of 2.9 million housing units, exacerbated by pandemic-related material shortages and rising interest rates that have made mortgages increasingly expensive.
In contrast, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has promoted reducing housing costs through tax breaks and deregulation but has defended local zoning laws that limit the construction of affordable housing. Trump’s campaign has criticized Harris’s approach, arguing that it could lead to increased federal spending without addressing underlying issues.
Harris’s plan is seen as a direct response to voter concerns about housing affordability, which is ranked as the second most pressing economic issue after inflation. While her proposal has been met with praise from some Democratic strategists, its success will depend on navigating potential legislative hurdles if she wins the presidency.