Wherever they choose to live in the region, people seek many of the same things: an affordable home, a good job within commuting distance, safe streets, a healthy environment, and quality schools, libraries, parks and other neighborhood institutions. Yet rising housing costs and stagnant incomes are making these things increasingly hard to find in one place. More and more, residents must make difficult decisions between an affordable home or a good school; a better job or a safe environment; a community they value or one where there is less worry about eventually being displaced.

We need complete communities that are healthy, welcoming, and enjoyable places to live -- as well as affordable. Constructing more new homes, especially near transit stations, is only the first step to make the housing market more stable and affordable. We should also make sure all neighborhoods include homes that are affordable for households of all incomes and makeups, that tenants have protections from unjust evictions, and that fair housing regulations are expanded and enforced. We must also encourage diversified job growth in cities and downtowns throughout the region, while maintaining New York City’s position as a leading global city and economic powerhouse that offers opportunities for all.

Since its inception, RPA has helped communities build their own plans by providing best practice design principles.