What are some ways housing programs impact society?

Housing programs, especially affordable housing programs, impact society in the form of economic stimulus and improved quality of life for community residents. While the benefits to the individuals who find homes through affordable housing programs are apparent, there are also benefits to local schools, retailers and municipal governments.

Affordable housing is typically constructed on land that is underutilized. Constructing new housing on this land increases property values in the community, which leads to higher property taxes. Increased revenue from property taxes benefits school districts, which often receive the bulk of their funding from property taxes. Retailers also benefit because more affordable housing means that residents are able to spend more of their income on other goods.