FEBRUARY 2021

By Christine Hess, Nevada Housing Coalition Executive Director

Dear NHC Members and Stakeholders,

Before I came to Nevada one year ago, I aimed to understand how Nevada, such an awesome place, had so many of its workers struggling  with housing affordability even amid economic growth. It’s become evident to all of us that so many who serve our communities and fuel Nevada’s economic engine – our teachers, small business employees, public safety officers, restaurant and hospitality workers – do not make wages that can afford them a safe, sanitary and comfortable place to live. With an economic development background, not only do I see Nevada’s opportunities, I see our weaknesses through that lens…and housing affordability is one of those.

Affordable housing in Nevada has been at crisis levels for decades, so why now?
This story is not new in Nevada and the pandemic has pushed too many past their struggles – hard-working Nevadans are being priced out of their own communities. Whether searching for the American Dream of homeownership or an affordable rental, many of our neighbors, families and friends simply want to raise their families, be near their work and live in their dream communities in the Silver State.

Why is the 2021 Legislative Session a tipping point for our leadership?
We need to advocate for productive conversations, and those oftentimes come with some discomfort. We are too far into our housing deficit to depend on the usual suspects in Nevada’s affordable housing world alone – the Nevada HAND, Shelter Properties, Public Housing Authorities, other mission-driven developers, and our local governments. They are working hard and as quickly as they can, but they cannot do it all and they do not necessarily have all the tools they need.

This Legislative Session is an opportunity for Nevada to double down on its affordable housing commitment (a commitment to identifying problems with solutions) without committing additional dollars. By passing enabling legislation that will add tools to the existing affordable housing toolbox, our local communities will have a more balanced portfolio of options to consider with all their stakeholders at the table. Without these new tools, our communities are left with measures that are limiting and do not build financial capacity to act. Conversely, many of the available options now cost our communities.

Affordable housing in Nevada is foundational to health, education, business, our overall recovery, and our future economic prosperity. It all starts at home. Think about it – without a place to call home, from where would your personal successes stem?

Christine