Julie Lawson, Michelle Norris, Holger Wallbaum & others
UNECE
2021
🏢 Context and Purpose The #Housing2030 report, produced as a collaborative initiative between the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UN-Habitat, and Housing Europe, addresses the pressing issue of housing affordability within the UNECE region. Authored by Julie Lawson, Michelle Norris, and Holger Wallbaum, this comprehensive document aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices and policy solutions aimed at enhancing housing affordability in various countries and cities. 📊 Key Findings The report identifies several vital areas that influence housing affordability and provides actionable recommendations. First, it highlights the significance of governance in shaping effective housing systems. Governance tools are outlined, including strategic frameworks, institutional capacity building, multi-level governance coordination, and evidence-based policymaking. Ensuring tenant and resident involvement is also emphasized to foster accountability and transparency. 💰 Financial Strategies Financial and investment tools are crucial for enhancing affordable housing supply, as discussed in the report. Key measures include regulating financial institutions, promoting non-profit housing provisions, and implementing rent subsidies. Innovative financing mechanisms such as microfinance for housing, public loans, and shared equity schemes are recommended to stimulate investment in affordable housing projects. 🌍 Land Policy Tools The report emphasizes the importance of land policy tools in improving housing affordability. Strategies such as public land banking, land value capture, and inclusionary zoning are crucial in optimizing land use for affordable housing development. Comprehensive planning and land readjustment further support these initiatives. 🌱 Climate-Neutral Housing Climate-neutral housing policies are also a significant focus, with recommendations for implementing energy performance regulations and financial incentives for enhancing energy efficiency. Raising awareness and providing training on sustainable practices are essential for promoting climate-friendly housing solutions. 🔍 Evidence-Based Policymaking The report advocates for evidence-based policymaking, underscoring the necessity of robust housing data and indicators to inform effective interventions. It also highlights that dedicated social and affordable housing providers play a vital role in expanding the supply of affordable housing across the region. In conclusion, the #Housing2030 report outlines a multifaceted approach to improving housing affordability through governance, finance, land policy, and climate considerations. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers aiming to create inclusive and sustainable housing systems in their local contexts.
UNECE & 
Housing Europe
Here is an extensive summary of the key points from the attached report
Title: #Housing2030: Effective policies for affordable housing in the UNECE region
Authors: This report was produced as a joint initiative between the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), UN-Habitat, and Housing Europe. The principal authors were Julie Lawson, Michelle Norris, and Holger Wallbaum.
Published: 2021
Context: This report was developed as part of the #Housing2030 initiative to explore housing affordability challenges and policy solutions in the UNECE region. It aims to facilitate the exchange of good practices for improving housing affordability among countries and cities in the region.
Key Findings:
- Governance is crucial for shaping effective housing systems. The report outlines key governance tools including:
- Strategic frameworks and housing strategies
- Building institutional capacity
- Multi-level governance coordination
- Setting and monitoring housing standards
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Supervision and accountability measures
- Dedicated social/affordable housing providers
- Tenant and resident involvement
- Finance and investment tools are essential for affordable housing, including:
- Regulating financial institutions
- Non-profit housing provision
- Rent subsidies and regulation
- Microfinance for housing
- Public loans and investment
- Interest rate subsidies and loan guarantees
- Special purpose financial intermediaries
- Shared equity schemes
- Revolving funds for affordable housing
- Taxation to guide housing investment
- Land policy tools are critical, such as:
- Public land banking
- Public land leasing
- Land readjustment
- Land value capture
- Comprehensive planning
- Inclusionary zoning
- Land value taxation
- Climate-neutral housing policies are important, including:
- Energy performance regulations
- Financial incentives for energy efficiency
- Awareness raising and training
- The report emphasizes there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Countries need to adapt policies to their specific contexts and housing system needs.
- Multi-level governance and partnerships between national, regional and local governments are key for effective implementation.
- Setting clear housing standards and monitoring compliance is crucial for improving housing quality and affordability.
- Evidence-based policymaking using robust housing data and indicators is essential for designing effective interventions.
- Dedicated social and affordable housing providers play an important role in many countries for expanding affordable housing supply.
- The report provides numerous case studies and examples of policy tools being successfully implemented across the UNECE region.
In summary, this comprehensive report outlines a wide range of governance, finance, land policy and climate-related tools that policymakers can adapt to improve housing affordability in their local contexts. It emphasizes the importance of good governance, partnerships, evidence, and dedicated affordable housing providers in creating more inclusive and sustainable housing systems.