The Bipartisan Policy Center's (BPC) Housing Commission aims to reform the nation’s housing policy by crafting a package of realistic and actionable policy recommendations that respond to both the near-term and long-term challenges facing the housing sector. Making a continual effort to include both Republican and Democratic perspectives in its outreach and research, the Housing Commission will draw upon a wide range of viewpoints, bringing together housing experts, business leaders, former elected officials, academics, and other key stakeholders. Following the release of the commission’s recommendations, BPC will engage policymakers to catalyze implementation and will continue to expand and refine analysis in targeted areas.

As the basis for its work, the Housing Commission will identify the housing needs of an increasingly diverse American society. Policy reform recommendations will focus on the most appropriate way to meet those needs, including views on the most effective role of the federal government in helping to shape the nation’s future housing landscape. The Housing Commission’s work will involve a constructive, evidence-based analysis of the effectiveness of the full range of current federal support to housing, including the impact of appropriations, guarantees, regulations, and tax expenditures.

Housing has been an important driver of our national, regional and local economies. The recent collapse of the housing finance system, however, played a significant role in one of the worst recessions our nation has ever experienced. Reforming this system and creating a healthy, stable housing market is essential for a strong economy and a competitive America. BPC’s Housing Commission hopes to foster cooperation and ignite a sense of urgency for action among policy makers and legislators on both sides of the aisle.