Affordable Housing 101

Nashville is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth that creates both challenges and opportunities for the city and its residents. In spite of the economic development across many sectors, the benefits are not equitably distributed to all members of the community. Many different factors can make neighborhoods attractive to new development, often increasing housing costs. This shift can force existing residents to move, prompting the question: is development without displacement possible? How do we ensure equitable development in our city, in order to create inclusive communities where current and future residents can afford to live? The answers to these questions begin with understanding what affordable housing is and how it works. This guide is designed to prepare community members for conversations about housing in their neighborhood. You will learn key terms related to affordability and housing development, the history of housing programs and development efforts, and major types of housing subsidies.