Charlotte Talks Politics: Candidates Used To Overlook Affordable Housing. Not In 2020.

Monday, March 9, 2020

The affordable housing crisis has made its way into the Democratic presidential race, more so than in any previous election. 

As the political scene was consumed by President Trump's impeachment last fall, there was an important moment that perhaps slipped below the radar in November's Democratic presidential debate: For the first time in recent memory, candidates were asked about the country's affordable housing crisis.

Diane Yentel, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, told The New York Times "it is remarkable that presidential hopefuls are now using their platforms to elevate the housing crisis and its solutions."

The two remaining major Democratic contenders both have housing plans. Joe Biden's plan, released in late February, would spend $640 billion on housing, while Bernie Sanders has proposed $2.5 trillion.

But what can any president do to address the lack of affordable housing?

GUESTS

Jenny Schuetz, Brookins Institution, fellow at the Metropolitan Policy Program (@jenny_schuetz)

Diane Yentel, National Low Income Housing Coalition, president and CEO (@dianeyentel)