
In Swing States Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions To Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in six swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions, allow more dense housing
Building More Housing Affordable to Low and Middle-Income Households
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax credits for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They evaluated several pairs of arguments for and against the Federal government doing more to increase the number of homes that are affordable to both low- and middle-income households to rent or purchase, either through grants to cities and states, or tax credits.
FIRST ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The cost of low- and middle-income housing keeps growing faster than income because there is not enough supply. Clearly the government is not doing enough. If the supply of affordable housing is not increased, prices will stay high, and tens of millions of Americans will continue to live paycheck-to-paycheck.FIRST ARGUMENT AGAINST
The government is already doing a lot to help people with low and medium incomes to afford housing. The reason things have gotten worse lately is because of the financial crash of 2007 and the labor shortage during the recent Covid pandemic. But the housing market has been correcting itself. Construction of new housing has been steadily increasing. We shouldn’t call for more government intervention every time there’s a problem.
SECOND ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
One of the reasons that home builders do not build more affordable homes is that they can make more money building homes that are targeted at the luxury market.
The government needs to do more to create incentives for builders to build homes affordable to low- and middle-income people.SECOND ARGUMENT AGAINST
Government involvement has always distorted the housing market, through a mess of tax credits and financial aid. Some experts say the 2007 housing crash was a direct result of government involvement. The best long-term solution is for local governments to reduce their regulations, such as zoning requirements, that stop builders from building more dense housing.
THIRD ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The Federal government cannot directly change local housing regulations. However, if it starts providing funding and incentives for building new affordable housing, this will encourage cities to change their housing regulations to allow them and builders in their community to access these benefits and build more affordable housing.
THIRD ARGUMENT AGAINST
Giving out money and tax breaks to home builders is just bribing them to build cheaper houses. Putting more money into the housing market will encourage corrupt home builders to build terrible homes that fall apart quickly. It will also increase the costs of labor and construction, which will increase the cost of building homes for everyone else.
Each proposal for the Federal government to try to increase the number of homes affordable to low- and middle-income households is favored by a majority in every swing state and nationally:
PROPOSAL: The Federal government providing $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 66-73% in the swing states, including majorities of Republicans (54-60%) and Democrats (80-86%). Nationally, a bipartisan majority are in favor (71%, Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%).
PROPOSAL: Providing a tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 69-73% in the swing states, including majorities of Republicans (56-64%) and Democrats (79-86%). Nationally, a bipartisan majority are in favor (73%, Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%).
PROPOSAL: Providing tax incentives for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase–specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 64-68% in the swing states. This includes majorities of Republicans (54-61%) and Democrats (73-79%). Nationally, a bipartisan majority are in favor (67%, Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%).
Asked whether they would favor the same tax incentives if they were allowed in large urban areas, support increases to 70-74% in the swing states, and to 73% nationally.
Reducing Housing Costs for Very Low and Low-Income Households
Respondents were informed that very low and low-income households spent significantly more of their income on housing than other income groups – about two-thirds of their income on average. They were told that the Federal government currently has programs to reduce the cost of housing for these income groups, and evaluated arguments for and against the government doing more to increase the number of homes affordable to these households.
FIRST ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
The housing crisis impacts the poorest members of our society the most, especially single working parents and those with disabilities. Many of them have to spend over half of their income on housing, which leaves them without money to invest in themselves or their families to move up the economic ladder. Hard-working people get stuck in poverty, often for generations. Helping them afford housing is a first step to giving them that chance.
FIRST ARGUMENT AGAINST
We already spend tens of billions of taxpayer dollars on low-income housing, and much more on healthcare and food stamps for low-income people. People can always choose to live with family or friends to reduce costs, and save money for job training or to buy a small home. It should not be the government’s or other taxpayer’s responsibility to make sure people can afford their homes. It must come from personal financial responsibility.
SECOND ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Reducing the cost of low-income housing will substantially reduce homelessness, especially for families with children. When parents have to spend over half their income on housing, then any crisis – like a health emergency – will leave them unable to pay rent. Homelessness causes public health problems and results in children suffering development issues. Reducing homelessness benefits everyone.
SECOND ARGUMENT AGAINST
The root of the housing affordability problem for lower-income people is really how low their wages are. Until that problem is addressed, focusing on housing will only be a temporary solution. What is considered affordable housing now will eventually become unaffordable if wages don’t rise as well. The government will just end up spending more and more money to subsidize housing, because it did not address the underlying problem.
PROPOSAL: The Federal government spending $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by majorities in every swing state (69-73%). This includes majorities of Republicans (57-63%) and Democrats (79-89%). Nationally, a bipartisan majority are in favor (74%, Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%).
PROPOSAL: Providing an additional $24 billion to public Housing Vouchers to help more very low-income, disabled and elderly people cover rent in the private housing market, is favored by majorities of 69-72%, including majorities of Democrats (78-88%). Among Republicans, majorities are in favor in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania (58-64%), while they are statistically divided in Michigan and Wisconsin. Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 74% is in favor (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%).
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
The Federal government providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by majorities in every swing state (63-68%), including majorities of Democrats (81-87%). Among Republicans, a majority is in favor in Georgia (54%), views are closely divided in Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, and less than half are in favor in Michigan and Wisconsin (43-44%). Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Millions of hard-working people are completely locked out of buying a home and building long-term wealth, which they will need for retirement or to pass on to their children. Giving these people a helping hand will give more people a shot at the American Dream and help families who have been stuck in poverty for generations.
ARGUMENT AGAINST
People need to take financial responsibility and stop relying on the government for handouts. Plus, giving tax breaks to buy homes will increase the demand for housing, further increasing the cost of buying a house for everyone else. That is the opposite of what we should be doing.
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Homes
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing homes accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not.
FIRST ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
If the trend of large corporations buying single-family homes continues, many people will be locked out of buying a house and will be stuck paying rent to large corporations. Owning a home is necessary for most families to build wealth for retirement. The well-being of families is more important than corporate profit.
FIRST ARGUMENT AGAINST
Large corporations are an easy scapegoat for all our problems, but they are not actually at fault here. Studies found that corporations often buy houses in areas where there is little demand to buy houses, so they are just buying homes that others don’t want. They also play a vital role in increasing the housing supply. They have the funding to convert single-family houses into multi-family houses, and repair run-down houses.
SECOND ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Studies show that corporate-owned houses are much more neglected than houses owned by individuals. If the house becomes run-down and loses its value, the corporation can actually deduct that loss from their taxes. Corporate purchasing is turning once-vibrant neighborhoods into eyesores filled with health and safety hazards.
SECOND ARGUMENT AGAINST
The government should not be trying to influence what private businesses can own, any more than it influences what individuals can own. After all, businesses are just groups of people who have come together to make investments. The housing supply crisis has been caused by government regulations which restrict building more houses. The solution is not more government restrictions.
Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in the swing states and nationally:
PROPOSAL: Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 67-71% in the swing states. This includes majorities of Republicans (55-66%) and Democrats (78-81%). Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 71% is in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%).
PROPOSAL: Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 66-71% in the swing states. This includes majorities of Democrats in each state (75-81%), as well as majorities of Republicans (57-63%) in every state except Wisconsin which is statistically divided. Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 67% are in favor (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%).
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR
Local regulations that restrict building more dense housing have been the main reason there is a housing shortage. Local politicians have been pressured by higher income homeowners who don’t want to live near dense multi-family houses. The Federal government should work to get cities to change these laws, which only benefit some people, especially wealthy homeowners, and hold back progress on affordable housing for everybody else.
ARGUMENT AGAINST
The Federal government should not threaten to withhold funds if they don’t comply with the way the Federal government thinks the community should be developed. Cities and towns should be allowed to decide the character of the housing in their communities.
The Federal government should not try to bribe communities by withholding infrastructure funding.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority in every swing state are in favor (55-61%), including majorities of Democrats (71-74%). Among Republicans, less than half are in support in Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania (41-43%), while views are statistically divided in Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin. Nationally, 64% are in favor, including 80% of Democrats, while Republicans are statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Respondents’ Own Local Government Allowing for More Dense Housing
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, 61-70% are in favor in the swing states, including majorities of Democrats (79-83%). Among Republicans, majorities are in favor in Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (53-56%), while views are statistically divided in Arizona and Michigan. Nationally, a bipartisan majority of 68% are in favor (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%).
STATE SURVEY REPORTS
In Arizona Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions
To Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Arizona, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”
This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample. [More Detailed Report]
New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.
They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Arizona, the other five swing states, and nationally.
- $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 71% in Arizona, including majorities of Republicans (60%) and Democrats (86%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%).
[BAR GRAPH]
- $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 66% in Arizona (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 70% in Arizona (Republicans 61%, Democrats 84%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase – specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 65% in Arizona (Republicans 56%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%). [BAR GRAPH]
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by 66% in Arizona, including 87% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (49% favor, 51% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), while support varies among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority of Republicans (52%). [BAR GRAPH]
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Arizona:
- Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 67% in Arizona (Republicans 61%, Democrats 78%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in each state except Wisconsin where they are divided. Nationally, support is 67%. (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%). [BAR GRAPH]
- Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 71% in Arizona (Republicans 66%, Democrats 80%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). [BAR GRAPH]
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 55% in Arizona are in favor, including 73% of Democrats, but just 41% of Republicans (with 59% opposed). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, 61% in Arizona are in favor, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (47% favor, 53% oppose). Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). [BAR GRAPH]
Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A majority of 70% in Arizona favor increasing the number of people who can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose, including 58% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%). [BAR GRAPH]
About the Survey
The Arizona survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 595 adults in Arizona by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro status, marital status and home ownership to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.6%.
- Arizona Housing Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
- Housing Questionnaire with Toplines, Crosstabs, and Methodology
- National and Six State Full Report, Including Sources of Proposals Tested
- Go Through the Policymaking Simulation
In Georgia Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions
To Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Georgia, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”
This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample. [More Detailed Report]
New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.
They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Georgia, the other five swing states and nationally.
- $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 70% in Georgia, including majorities of Republicans (59%) and Democrats (81%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%). [BAR GRAPH]
- $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 73% in Georgia (Republicans 60%, Democrats 85%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 72% in Georgia (Republicans 64%, Democrats 81%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase–specifically in low income, non-urban areas–is favored by 64% in Georgia (Republicans 54%, Democrats 73%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%). [BAR GRAPH]
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by a bipartisan majority of 68% in Georgia, including 54% of Republicans and 83% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), but mixed views among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans. [BAR GRAPH]
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Georgia:
- Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 66% in Georgia (Republicans 57%, Democrats 75%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in each state except Wisconsin. Nationally, support is 67% (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%). [BAR GRAPH]
- Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 70% in Georgia (Republicans 59%, Democrats 81%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). [BAR GRAPH]
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 57% in Georgia are in favor, including 71% of Democrats, but just less than half of Republicans (43% favor, 57% opposed). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, a bipartisan majority of 67% in Georgia are in favor, including 53% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats. Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). [BAR GRAPH]
Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A bipartisan majority of 72% in Georgia favors increasing the number of people who can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%). [BAR GRAPH]
About the Survey
The Georgia survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 626 adults in Georgia by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro status and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.
In Michigan Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions
To Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Michigan, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”
This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample. [More Detailed Report]
New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.
They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Michigan, the other five swing states and nationally.
- $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 73% in Michigan, including majorities of Republicans (57%) and Democrats (89%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%). [BAR GRAPH]
- $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 70% in Michigan (Republicans 54%, Democrats 86%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 69% in Michigan (Republicans 56%, Democrats 84%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase–specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 65% in Michigan (Republicans 55%, Democrats 77%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%). [BAR GRAPH]
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by 64% in Michigan, including 84% of Democrats, but less than half of Republicans (44% favor, 57% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), but mixed views among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans. [BAR GRAPH]
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Michigan:
- Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 68% in Michigan (Republicans 57%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in each state except Wisconsin. Nationally, support is 67%. (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%). [BAR GRAPH]
- Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 67% in Michigan (Republicans 56%, Democrats 78%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). [BAR GRAPH]
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 61% in Michigan is in favor, including 74% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (47% favor, 53% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, 67% in Michigan are in favor, including 82% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (53% favor, 46% oppose). Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). [BAR GRAPH]
Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A majority of 71% in Michigan favor increasing the number of people that can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose, including 88% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (53% favor, 47% oppose). Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%). [BAR GRAPH]
About the Survey
The Michigan survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 601 adults in Michigan by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro status, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.
In Nevada Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions
To Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Nevada, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”
This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample. [More Detailed Report]
New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.
They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Nevada, the other five swing states and nationally.
- $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 69% in Nevada, including majorities of Republicans (63%) and Democrats (79%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%). [BAR GRAPH]
- $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 68% in Nevada (Republicans 58%, Democrats 80%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 69% in Nevada (Republicans 62%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase–specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 64% in Nevada (Republicans 59%, Democrats 74%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%). [BAR GRAPH]
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by 66% in Nevada, including 81% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (53% favor, 46% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), but mixed views among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans. [BAR GRAPH]
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Nevada:
- Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 71% in Nevada (Republicans 63%, Democrats 78%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in each state except Wisconsin. Nationally, support is 67% (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%). [BAR GRAPH]
- Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 71% in Nevada (Republicans 66%, Democrats 78%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). [BAR GRAPH]
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 58% in Nevada are in favor, including 72% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (48% favor, 51% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, a bipartisan majority of 67% in Nevada are in favor (Republicans 56%, Democrats 81%). Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). [BAR GRAPH]
Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A bipartisan majority of 71% in Nevada favor increasing the number of people who can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose, including 64% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%). [BAR GRAPH]
About the Survey
The Nevada survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 609 adults in Nevada by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.
In Pennsylvania Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions
To Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Pennsylvania, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”
This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample. [More Detailed Report]
New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.
They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania, the other five swing states and nationally.
- $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 71% in Pennsylvania, including majorities of Republicans (62%) and Democrats (83%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%). [BAR GRAPH]
- $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 72% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 60%, Democrats 86%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 72% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 64%, Democrats 82%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase–specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 65% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 59%, Democrats 73%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%). [BAR GRAPH]
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by 64% in Pennsylvania, including 81% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (47% favor, 53% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), but mixed views among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans. [BAR GRAPH]
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Pennsylvania:
- Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 67% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 58%, Democrats 77%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in each state except Wisconsin. Nationally, support is 67% (Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%). [BAR GRAPH]
- Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 68% in Pennsylvania (Republicans 58%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). [BAR GRAPH]
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 56% in Pennsylvania are in favor, including 72% of Democrats, but just 42% of Republicans (with 58% opposed). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, a bipartisan majority of 65% in Pennsylvania are in favor (Republicans 54%, Democrats 79%). Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). [BAR GRAPH]
Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A bipartisan majority of 72% in Pennsylvania favor increasing the number of people who can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose, including 60% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats. Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%). [BAR GRAPH]
About the Survey
The Pennsylvania survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 624 adults in Pennsylvania by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro status, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.
In Wisconsin Bipartisan Majorities Favor Federal Government Actions to Make Housing More Affordable
As housing affordability has become a major issue for many Americans, a new survey in Wisconsin, five other swing states and nationally finds majority support – bipartisan in most cases – for the Federal government taking a variety of actions to make housing more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. These include:
- providing billions in grants and tax incentives for building and repairing affordable homes
- providing down payment assistance to first-time buyers
- reducing large corporate ownership of houses
- incentivizing local governments to reduce single-family zoning restrictions
- increasing the number of public Housing Vouchers
Steven Kull, Director of PPC noted, ”In the swing states, bipartisan majorities want the Federal government to pursue an active and multi-pronged approach to deal with the high cost of housing.”
This survey is the tenth, and last, in a series – the Swing Six Issue Surveys – being conducted in the run-up to the November election in the swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well as nationally, on major policy issues. Unlike traditional polls, respondents in a public consultation survey go through an online “policymaking simulation” in which they are provided briefings and arguments for and against each policy proposal. All Americans are invited to go through the same policymaking simulation as the survey sample. [More Detailed Report]
New Federal Spending and Tax Incentives for Affordable Housing
Respondents were informed that the Federal government currently provides some funding and tax incentives for building more affordable homes, mostly for low-income households. They were told that housing is considered affordable when it costs the household no more than 30% of their income to live there.
They then evaluated a series of proposals for the Federal government to do more to increase the supply of affordable homes. Each one is favored by bipartisan majorities in Wisconsin, the other five swing states and nationally.
- $40 billion to build or repair housing affordable to very low and low-income households, through 1) grants to cities and states, and 2) support for more low-interest loans to home builders, is favored by 73% in Wisconsin, including majorities of Republicans (57%) and Democrats (87%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally support is 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 86%). [BAR GRAPH]
- $25 billion to build or repair housing affordable to low and middle-income households, through grants to cities and states, is favored by 69% in Wisconsin (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-73%, and nationally it is 71% (Republicans 57%, Democrats 88%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax credit for building or repairing housing to be rented, on the condition that 60% of them are affordable to middle-income households, is favored by 73% in Wisconsin (Republicans 61%, Democrats 86%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 69-73%, and nationally it is 73% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 85%). [BAR GRAPH]
- A tax incentive for building or repairing housing that is affordable for low and middle-income people to purchase–specifically in low-income, non-urban areas–is favored by 68% in Wisconsin (Republicans 61%, Democrats 78%). Across all swing states, support ranges from 64-68%, and nationally it is 67% (Republicans 59%, Democrats 77%). [BAR GRAPH]
$25,000 Down Payment Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers
Providing assistance–up to $25,000–to help first-time homebuyers cover the down payment on a home, with more assistance for people whose parents never owned a home, is favored by 63% in Wisconsin, including 83% of Democrats, but less than half of Republicans (43% favor, 57% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 63-68%, including majorities of Democrats (81-87%), but mixed views among Republicans. Nationally, 67% are in favor, including 84% of Democrats, and a bare majority (52%) of Republicans. [BAR GRAPH]
Reducing Large Corporate Ownership of Houses
Respondents were informed that some experts believe the increase in large corporations purchasing houses accounts for some of the rise in home sale prices, while other experts do not. Two proposals for reducing large corporate ownership are favored by bipartisan majorities in Wisconsin:
- Requiring corporations with more than $50 million in assets to sell all their single-family houses, townhouses and duplexes within the next ten years, and prohibit them from buying any more, with substantial financial penalties for non-compliance, is favored by 66% in Wisconsin, including 81% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (52% favor, 48% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 66-71%, including majorities of Republicans in every other swing state. Nationally, support is 67%(Republicans 55%, Democrats 81%). [BAR GRAPH]
- Denying corporations that own more than 50 single-family houses, townhouses or duplexes any Federal tax deductions related to their ownership of those houses (e.g. for mortgage interest or depreciation), is favored by 67% in Wisconsin (Republicans 55%, Democrats 78%). Across all swing states, bipartisan majorities of 67-71% are in favor. Nationally, 71% are in favor (Republicans 61%, Democrats 82%). [BAR GRAPH]
Federal Incentives for Cities to Reduce Single-Family Zoning, and Allow More Dense Housing
Respondents were informed that, according to experts, one reason that housing has become less affordable is that local governments restrict building dense and mixed-use housing. They were told that the Federal government – when distributing funding
for infrastructure repair – has started giving priority to local governments that allow more dense and mixed-use housing.
Asked whether they favor the Federal government continuing that policy, a majority of 57% in Wisconsin is in favor, including 70% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (47% favor, 54% oppose). Across all swing states, support ranges from 55-61%, with varying levels of support among Republicans. Nationally it is 64%, including 80% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (51% favor, 49% oppose).
Asked whether they would favor their own local government allowing for the construction of more dense and mixed-use housing, a bipartisan majority of 70% in Wisconsin is in favor (Republicans 55%, Democrats 83%). Across all swing states, 61-70% are in favor, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 68% (Republicans 54%, Democrats 84%). [BAR GRAPH]
Additional $24 Billion In Public Housing Vouchers
Respondents were informed that the government provides people who qualify for public housing – very low-income, disabled or elderly people – with Housing Vouchers that help cover rent in the private housing market. A majority of 69% in Wisconsin favor increasing the number of people that can receive Housing Vouchers by spending an additional $24 billion for that purpose, including 85% of Democrats, with Republicans statistically divided (53% favor, 47% oppose). Across all swing states, support is 69-72%, and nationally it is a bipartisan majority of 74% (Republicans 63%, Democrats 87%). [BAR GRAPH]
About the Survey
The Wisconsin survey was fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 603 adults in Wisconsin by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Sample was obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. The sample was pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, metro/non-metro status, and partisan affiliation to match the general adult population. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval is +/- 4.5%.
More Information
About the Survey
The surveys were fielded October 4-14, 2024 to a representative non-probability sample of 4,638 adults by the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, including approximately 600 adults in each state of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and 1,190 nationally. Samples were obtained from multiple online non-probability panels, including Cint, Dynata and Prodege. Sample collection and quality control was managed by QuantifyAI under the direction of the Program for Public Consultation. Samples were pre-stratified and weighted by age, race, ethnicity, gender, education, income, and metro/non-metro status to match the general adult population. The national sample was also weighted by marital status and home ownership. The national and most state samples were further weighted by partisan affiliation. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The confidence interval for the national sample is +/-3.2%, and for the state samples it ranges from +/-4.5% to 4.6%.
The Federal government giving priority for infrastructure repair funds to cities that remove single-family zoning restrictions and allow for more dense housing
- White House. (2023) Biden-Harris Administration Announces Actions to Lower Housing Costs and Boost Supply
Your own local government allowing for the construction of more dense multi-family and mixed-use housing
$25 billion in grants to construct or repair dense housing (townhomes, duplexes and apartments) that are affordable to low- and middle-income people to rent or buy
- White House. (2023) Housing Supply Action Plan
Tax credit to build or repair homes, on the condition that 60% of the homes are affordable to middle-income households to rent
- Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act by Sens. Sullivan and Wyden; and Reps. Carey and Panetta.
Tax credit to build or repair homes in non-urban low-income areas that are affordable for low- and middle-income people to purchase
- Neighborhood Homes Investment Act by Rep. Kelly and Sen. Cardin
$40 billion to build or repair homes affordable to very low and low-income households, via grants and more low-interest loans to home builders
- Housing for All Act by Rep. Lieu and Sen. Padilla
- Similar proposal in Housing Crisis Response Act by Rep. Waters
An additional $24 billion in public Housing Vouchers to help more very low-income people, the disabled and elderly afford rent
- Housing Crisis Response Act by Rep. Waters
Up to $25,000 down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, with more for first-generation homebuyers
- Harris Campaign. (2024) A New Way Forward For The Middle Class, Chapter 7, III
- White House. (2023) FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Plan to Lower Housing Costs for Working Families
- Similar proposal in Downpayment Toward Equity Act by Sen. Warnock and Rep. Waters
Prohibit large corporations from receiving any tax deductions related to their ownership of single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes
- Stop Predatory Investing Act by Sen. Brown
Require large corporations to sell all their single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes within the next ten years, or pay a substantial financial penalty
End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act of 2023 by Sen. Merkley
About UMD’s Program for Public Consultation
The Program for Public Consultation (PPC) at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, develops and conducts public consultation surveys, seeking to improve democratic governance by consulting representative samples of citizens on key public policy issues. It shares its findings with officials in government, the media, other academics, and the general public.