Debunking the Cost Myths of Affordable Housing Projects

Let's face it: affordable housing gets a bad rap.

Many people believe it’s unattractive, drains public resources, or doesn’t provide a good return on investment.

But the reality?

Affordable housing is a long-term investment in community members that strengthens towns, promotes stability, and saves residents money in the long run.

Myth #1: “Affordable Housing Costs Taxpayers Too Much Money”

One of the most common concerns is that affordable housing projects place a heavy burden on local taxpayers. But studies show that stable housing actually reduces public expenses in areas like emergency services, healthcare, and social programs!

Simply put, when people have a safe, affordable place to live, they’re less likely to rely on emergency services. For example, individuals experiencing homelessness often cycle through shelters, emergency rooms, and law enforcement systems—all of which are far more expensive than providing stable housing.

A study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that for every dollar invested in affordable housing, taxpayers save up to $1.83 in public service costs.

Affordable housing also increases local tax revenue. When families can afford to live and work in Livingston County, they contribute to the local economy by paying property taxes, shopping at local businesses, and supporting community services.

Myth #2: “Affordable Housing Lowers Surrounding Property Values”

Many people stress that new affordable housing developments will cause surrounding property values to drop. Research consistently shows that this is simply not true.

High-quality, well-planned affordable housing developments actually improve neighborhoods by filling vacant lots, reducing blight, and increasing overall property appeal.

In fact, a study from Trulia found that in over 20 major metropolitan areas, home values in neighborhoods near affordable housing projects either remained stable or increased!

Why? Thoughtfully designed affordable housing attracts more residents, stimulates economic activity, and builds a sense of community pride.

Myth #3: “We Just Can’t Afford to Build More Affordable Housing”

It’s easy to look at the upfront cost of constructing affordable housing and think, "Oh, it’s too expensive." But what’s usually overlooked is the long-term return on investment for the community—in this case, Livingston County.

Firstly, stable housing leads to better health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs. Families living in safe, quality housing are less likely to experience stress-related illnesses, asthma from poor living conditions, or injuries from unsafe housing. This automatically translates into lower medical costs and fewer taxpayer-funded emergency visits.

Secondly, affordable housing helps local businesses thrive. When people spend less on rent, they have more money in their pocket to put back into the local economy— dining at restaurants, shopping in stores, and using local services. In fact, research from the National Association of Home Builders found that every 100 affordable housing units built create 122 local jobs and generate $2.2 million in tax revenue!

A Smarter Investment for Livingston County

Investing in affordable housing isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about building a stronger, more financially stable community. When families have secure housing, they can focus on working, educating their kids, and contributing to society instead of struggling every day to make ends meet.

At Community Catalysts, we’re committed to making housing attainable for Livingston County residents because we know that strong communities start with stable homes.