Work

Enhancing the effectiveness of supply-side employer-assisted housing programs to develop affordable workforce housing

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Employer-assisted housing programs (EAHPs) can be a valuable tool to supply affordable workforce homeownership and rental housing, especially in areas with tight real estate markets. Despite their potential, EAHPs, especially supply-side programs that increase the housing stock, remain understudied. This paper addresses this gap through a mixed-methods approach that combines an extensive literature review with eight in-depth US-based case studies, including interviews with program administrators. The focus on supply-side EAHPs reflects a key role these programs can play in reducing housing shortages, whereas demand-side programs can risk raising prices without increasing availability. The paper offers recommendations to increase EAHPs' effectiveness, such as employers should align EAHPs with their needs and capacity, consider the project life cycle, not just the construction period, and seek employees’ input while developing EAHPs.

Source: Journal of Urban Management

DOI: 10.1016/j.jum.2026.100608

Authors: Shishir Mathur, Shreya Chokshi, Hilary Nixon

Institution: San Jose State University

Language: English

Topic: Housing Market and Economics

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200