May 3, 2020
Michael Bodaken knows it’s going to take serious innovation and creativity to turn around the nation's neglect of its affordable housing crisis. He’s worked directly on the issue for years, with a long tenure as head of the nonprofit National Housing Trust. Bodaken discusses why without sufficient housing supply and direct assistance, too many must struggle to compete in the same market as those with higher incomes. He strongly advocates for energy efficiency when rehabbing housing, as it lowers construction costs and the improved efficiency means lower utility rates and a lower rent payment. This should be part of many workable, bipartisan solutions like expanding vouchers and rehabilitation of housing stock.