Affordable Housing Ecosystem

A complex network of organizations work together to tackle Nebraska's housing crisis.

Scroll down to learn the steps taken to solve the problem, and the role of different organizations.

Research & Strategy

Addressing a problem as a community requires research, housing studies and strategic planning across several organizations, including city government, economic development groups, policy-makers, and community planners.

• How many people are affected? Who?
• Do we need new housing, or new housing programs?
• What type of housing is needed? Family? Single?
• Can existing structures be rehabilitated?
• What are the current affordable housing laws?
• What is feasible to address immediately?

Planning & Zoning

When there is a shared understanding of what is most needed immediately, community planners, urban developers, architects, and other key organizations build a plan to develop a property, rehabilitate existing property, or shape a new housing program.

Zoning determines what types of structures can be built where, and for what purpose. In some cases, zoning laws must be updated to meet the new needs of the community.

Funding

When planning is complete, funding can be found from a federal, state, local, or private source. Banks, large businesses, philanthropists, government agencies, and other entities are all possible. Different organizations may have allocated funds for specific tasks, like housing rehabilitation or new housing developments.

Construction & Regulation

At this point the actual construction can begin on a new development or rehabilitation project. Many cities set and enforce building codes and regulations throughout the process to ensure proper building materials are used, the structure is safe, and all laws and regulations are met.

Attorneys

Throughout the process of planning, finding real estate, zoning, and navigating affordable housing laws, legal issues often arise. Attorneys that specialize in real estate law, affordable housing, fair housing, tenant rights, and other specialties can help.

Housing Rehabilitation

Over time, homes and rental properties can fall into disrepair. Housing rehabilitation programs run through the city, state, community interest groups, volunteer programs, or other interested parties seek to assess needs, repair homes, fundraise, advocate, and allocate resources.

Policy & Advocacy

Behind the scenes, policy-makers at the federal, state and local level are working to set and revise affordable housing laws. Laws like the the Department of Housing & Urban Devleopment's Affordable Housing Act are passed at the federal level, then interpreted and acted upon at the state and local level.

Advocates look at the results of these laws over time and work to appeal, adjust, or ensure resources are being allocated fairly to meet the needs of the whole community.

Community Development

When new housing is developed, community development ensures the surrounding community is a place where people want to work and live. This includes reasonable access to grocery stores and healthy food, community gathering spaces, parks & recreation, and transporation to common work and community spaces.

Newer communities will need to be built from the ground up while some existing communities may need infrastructure repaired, and new businesses brought through community revitalization programs.