America stands at a pivotal moment. Across the nation, millions of working families, seniors, and children struggle to find safe, affordable housing near the jobs, schools, and services they need to flourish. At the same time, small towns and cities—the lifeblood of our nation's history and character—face stagnation, with underinvestment threatening their future vitality.
The housing crisis we face is not just about bricks and mortar. It’s a crisis of opportunity, community, and dignity. Rising construction costs and high-interest rates have created an economic chokehold, leaving workforce housing projects financially unfeasible. But there is a solution—one rooted in partnership, vision, and an unwavering belief in the promise of America’s people.
A Call to Action: Government and Foundations in Unity
We propose a transformative collaboration between the government and philanthropic foundations: a matching low-interest loan program dedicated to energy-efficient, resilient, mixed-income housing and community infrastructure. By providing loans at rates as low as 1.5% for up to 30% of the cost of the community, this initiative can unleash the potential to build millions of housing units, reinvigorate communities, and secure a legacy of opportunity for generations to come.
Why Now? The stakes couldn’t be higher. Traditional financing models, focused solely on immediate profit, fail to meet the needs of working families and the communities they inhabit. What’s required is a new model of investment—one that strengthens the foundation of our society rather than extracting from it.
Why This Approach? This program is not just about housing; it’s about reimagining how we build communities that:
Empower working parents: Accessible housing near transit, jobs, and childcare gives families the time and resources to thrive.
Honor seniors: Safe, affordable homes enable older Americans to age with dignity in their communities.
Invest in children: Stable housing provides the foundation for better educational outcomes and brighter futures.
A Vision for Sustainable, Resilient Communities
Imagine neighborhoods where homes are not only affordable but also energy-efficient, with reduced utility costs putting more money in families’ pockets. Picture towns designed to prioritize walkability, green spaces, and connectivity, where autonomous EVs provide safe, accessible transit. These are communities that don’t just meet today’s needs but set future generations up to thrive.
This vision isn’t theoretical. We’ve already begun to prove what’s possible.
Second and Delaware: Proof of What Works
Our flagship project, Second and Delaware in Kansas City, exemplifies this approach. Recognized as the largest Passive House-certified building in North America, this 276-unit development uses advanced energy efficiency to cut heating and cooling costs by up to 75%. Its design prioritizes resilience, affordability, and sustainability, creating a model for what the future of housing can—and should—be.
Second and Delaware demonstrates that the right investments can transform communities. But we can’t stop there. It’s time to scale this success nationwide.
Pictured above: Second and Delaware, a 276 unit community that features rooftop gardens, a soccer field sized central courtyard and uses 75% less energy than a typical apartment building. The resilient design also results in 50% lower insurance premiums.
Pictured above: Midtown Station, a 1,500 unit redevelopment on a former mall site located in Kansas City, KS, that scales up the lessons learned at Second and Delaware and adds much needed workforce and affordable housing to the mix.
A Legacy Worth Leaving
This isn’t just about solving a housing shortage. It’s about creating a future where every American—regardless of income or background—has the opportunity to live a full, dignified life. A future where the investments we make today ripple outward, building wealth, strengthening communities, and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
This is a moment to act boldly, to unite public and private forces in service of the common good. Together, government and foundations can catalyze the kind of community-strengthening investments that will define our time. Not as a fleeting initiative, but as a legacy that future generations will celebrate.
Join us in creating a movement that ensures every family, senior, and child can thrive—not just survive. Let’s build communities that reflect the very best of America’s spirit, resilience, and promise.
Call to Action: Help Build a Better Future
We can’t do this alone. Transforming America’s housing landscape and revitalizing our communities will require the voices, support, and passion of people like you. Here’s how you can help:
1. Amplify the Message on Social Media
Share this vision on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms. Use your voice to inspire action and engage others.
Tweet this: "America needs bold solutions to solve the housing crisis. A low-interest loan program for energy-efficient, resilient housing can transform our communities. Let's act now! https://bit.ly/3AGnBRR #HousingForAll #FutureOfLiving"
Tag key influencers, including policymakers, philanthropists, and thought leaders.
2. Share This Post
Send this blog to your friends, family, and networks. Spread the word about the urgency of this initiative and its potential to reshape America for the better.
Share it directly with local leaders, your city council, or state representatives.
3. Contact Your Federal Representatives
Reach out to your senators and congressional representatives. Share this idea and ask them to champion a low-interest loan program to support sustainable, affordable housing.
Use this script:"I’m a constituent deeply concerned about the housing crisis and its impact on families, seniors, and children. I urge you to support a federal low-interest loan program for energy-efficient, resilient workforce housing that strengthens our communities and builds a better future for all."
4. Stay Connected
Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about this initiative and other transformative projects. Together, we can create a movement that changes lives.
Every action matters. Together, we can create communities where families thrive, seniors live with dignity, and children grow with opportunity. Share the vision today, and let’s build a better tomorrow.
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