Preserving the nation's 899,000 public housing units could require approximately $169.1 billion, estimates a new study released by the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corp. (PAHRC).
"Public housing is a cornerstone of housing stability for more than 1.5 million people nationwide," said Kelly McElwain, manager of research and industry intelligence, government affairs and research at PAHRC. "This research provides a starting point for conversations about how to develop a plan to preserve these homes over the next decade and ensure they continue to serve families and communities well into the future."
The study finds that the average public housing unit has an estimated baseline preservation cost of $188,090 per unit.
Researchers note that preservation costs vary widely across the public housing portfolio: One-quarter of public housing units had estimated costs under $87,701, while one-quarter exceeded $273,466.
The analysis was developed as part of the "10 Year Roadmap for Public Housing Sustainability", a national initiative convened by the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities.
According to PAHRC, the last national assessment of public housing capital needs was conducted in 2010. Since then, construction costs and the housing landscape have evolved significantly. This updated analysis gives policymakers, funders, and housing leaders a clearer picture of the investment required to maintain safe, efficient, and resilient homes.
“Preserving public housing is achievable—and housing authorities across the country are already proving what's possible through creative partnerships, strategic planning, and by combining federal, state, and private investment," said Cate Asp, research analyst, government affairs and research at PAHRC. "Yet, to fully meet their preservation goals, PHAs [public housing authorities] will need more resources and support to strengthen their capacity."
The 10 Year Roadmap for Public Housing Sustainability offers a plan to preserve approximately 90,000 public housing units annually to modernize the nation’s remaining 899,000 public housing units by 2035.