Housing Solutions Lab
Helping cities plan, launch, and evaluate equitable housing policies
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2024 New York State Peer Network FAQ
What is the Housing Solutions Lab?
Why is this opportunity only available to small and midsize cities?
The learning opportunities, resources and curriculum for the Peer Cities Network (Network) are specifically designed to benefit housing policy leaders in small and midsize cities. Although these cities face their own array of complex housing challenges – from disinvestment and concentrated poverty to housing instability and affordability gaps, we also know they are uniquely poised for innovation. While they may be more nimble, more plugged in to their communities, more apt to experiment and innovate, and less siloed or encumbered by bureaucracy than their large city peers, they may also lack the staffing, resources, or autonomy of larger cities. The Lab’s goal is to help fill these capacity gaps by providing policy, data, and research support and facilitating peer learning opportunities among city leaders in pursuit of equitable housing solutions. Learn more about our work with small and midsize cities here.
Do you accept applications from multiple smaller cities working towards shared housing goals or counties with fewer than 50,000 residents?
Yes. We recognize that some cities with fewer than 50,000 residents may want to collaborate with neighboring communities to address housing challenges through a regional approach. We welcome joint applications from multiple cities or a city with a representative from its respective county, as long as the total population meets the minimum 50,000 residents threshold.
How much does it cost to participate in the Network?
There is no cost to participate in the Network.
What is the expected monthly time commitment for participating in the Network?
What are examples of feasible Network projects?
- San Marcos, TX, worked towards creating an equitable property disposition process for city-owned land
- Portland, ME, planned a day-long workshop to explore housing supply constraints facing affordable housing and market rate developers while undergoing comprehensive land use reforms
- Boulder, CO, worked with Lab staff to build a data collection and management system that links eviction prevention assistance recipients’ demographic information with program outcomes
- Pasco, WA, pursued data analysis to understand the displacement risks facing residents and explored policy options to prevent displacement proactively
Other sample projects could include:
- Creating a plan or process to utilize city, state, or federal funds for acquiring and rehabbing properties for affordable housing development
- Investigating options and drafting a proposal for a community land trust
- Initiating the process for building a coalition of stakeholders focused on advocating for tenant protections
Can we swap city team members throughout the course of the Network?
What are some of the ways that the Housing Solutions Lab can help our city through research and technical assistance?
The primary way the Housing Solutions Lab may assist Network cities is through offering research expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating local housing policies. The Lab can also offer technical assistance by providing relevant resources and connecting your city with TA providers, other experts, and/or other cities with similar issues or needs. We can also provide guidance on how to use the Lab’s Housing Needs Assessment data tool or feedback on proposed policies, offer examples of best practices in policy development, and connect your city to other cities that have implemented similar policies.
Opportunities to discuss potential research support and technical assistance will be a part of quarterly city team meetings with Lab staff.
How do I apply to be in the Peer Cities Network?
The application is accessible here until March 29, 2023. You can also preview the questions here and prepare your responses in a word document with your teammates. Make sure to copy and paste your responses to all questions when you are ready to submit your application.
May I save and return to my application at a later date?
Yes. The application software records your IP address. Therefore, it recognizes when you are accessing the application from the same computer as the one on which you started the application. However, you cannot access an application in progress on a different computer. If you need time to draft your answers or collaborate with your prospective team members prior to submitting, we recommend you review the questions here and compile responses in advance of your submission.
