The built environment and housing have pronounced effects on community health. This study will look at the reach of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) programs and their potential to produce healthier rental housing that serves low-income and vulnerable populations. The research will focus on four research questions:
- What occupant health-related built environment (OHBE) factors do states' Housing Finance Agencies (HFA) include to assess and award LIHTC funding?
- How do HFAs ensure compliance with promised OHBE practices once a project has received funding?
- What barriers exist to implementing OHBE in the LIHTC process and housing stock?
- How can states replicate effective practices in developing OHBE factors, incorporating them into policy, and ensuring implementation?
This research represents a rich opportunity for comprehensive evaluation of how states incentivize and incorporate OHBE factors in the LIHTC process, and opportunities for expansion.