1/19/23 – June Long

Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. Our discussion centers on a critical aspect of urban living that affects many individuals and families: the challenge of securing affordable housing in the face of a rapidly changing job market. Before we delve into the broader implications, could you share with us your personal journey and how it brought these issues to light for you?

Thank you for having me. My journey into the heart of the affordable housing crisis began a few years ago, following a series of layoffs in the industry where I had built my career. Like many others, I found myself struggling to find stable employment in a job market that was shifting rapidly towards gig economy and short-term contracts. This instability made it nearly impossible to meet the rising costs of rent, let alone save for the future. I was forced to move several times, each to a less expensive and less secure living situation, as I tried to navigate this new employment landscape. My experience opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by many workers today: the challenge of finding affordable housing on an unstable income in a city where housing costs are skyrocketing.

Your story is a poignant reminder of the struggles many face in our current economy. Reflecting on your experiences, how do you see the connection between job market changes, income instability, and affordable housing?

The connection between job market changes, income instability, and affordable housing is profound and troubling. As traditional full-time employment gives way to more precarious forms of work, many find themselves without the stable income necessary to secure affordable housing. In cities like ours, where housing costs have far outpaced wage growth, this issue is especially acute. The gig economy, while offering flexibility, often does not provide the financial stability or benefits of traditional employment, leaving workers in a vulnerable position when it comes to affording their housing. This dynamic creates a cycle of housing insecurity, where individuals and families are constantly at risk of displacement, contributing to broader issues of homelessness and social inequality.

Given these interconnected challenges, what initiatives or solutions do you believe are necessary to support individuals facing housing insecurity due to income instability?

Addressing the intertwined issues of income instability and housing insecurity requires a comprehensive set of solutions:

• Strengthening Tenant Protections: Implementing and enforcing stronger tenant protections to prevent unfair evictions and rent hikes, giving tenants a more stable foundation and the ability to plan for their future.
• Expanding Affordable Housing Stock: Increasing the availability of affordable housing through incentives for developers, use of public land, and investment in public housing projects. This expansion must be coupled with policies that ensure affordability is maintained over time.
• Supporting Income Stability: Developing programs that support income stability, such as minimum wage increases, benefits for gig economy workers, and training programs for emerging industries, can help workers better afford housing.
• Innovative Housing Models: Exploring innovative housing models such as co-housing, community land trusts, and rent-to-own programs that provide more accessible and sustainable housing options for those with fluctuating incomes.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging partnerships between government, non-profits, and the private sector to create comprehensive support systems for those affected by the changing job market, including access to affordable housing, job training, and social services.

As we consider the path forward, what message do you hope to convey to the community and policymakers about the importance of addressing affordable housing in the context of today’s job market?

The message I hope to convey is one of urgency and collective responsibility. The landscape of work has changed dramatically, and our approach to housing policy must evolve accordingly. Affordable housing is not just a social good; it’s a critical infrastructure that supports the workforce and, by extension, the economy. Policymakers and the community must recognize the deep impact of income instability on housing security and take decisive action to address it. We need policies that reflect the realities of today’s job market, ensuring that all members of our community have access to stable, affordable housing. It’s a fundamental step toward building a more equitable, resilient society.

Thank you for sharing your insights and for shedding light on the critical intersection of income instability and housing insecurity. Your perspective is invaluable as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of creating a more inclusive housing market.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and thoughts on this vital issue. I’m hopeful that by raising awareness and fostering dialogue, we can make strides toward a future where affordable housing is accessible to everyone, regardless of their employment situation. Let’s continue to advocate for change and support each other in these efforts.