Redefining “Workforce Housing”

Miriam Axel-Lute
CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Shelterforce Magazine

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) defines “workforce housing” as housing for people making 60 to 120 percent of area median income – meant to be for teachers, first responders, nurses. It is being specifically contrasted to “standard” affordable housing. However, the connotation of “workforce housing” can be considered insulting, as the low-wage workforce (earning less than 60% of the area’s median incomes) does not qualify for workforce housing but is still a critical part the workforce making valuable contributions to society. So how do we define these various classes of housing, and how do we work towards providing dignified housing to everyone, regardless of their income? We hear from Miriam Axel-Lute, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Shelterforce Magazine, on her perspectives.