Year	Median Household Income	Average Home Cost	Income to Home ratio
1980	$21,020	$47,200	2.24
2020	$68,010	$391,900	5.76

Since 1980, the cost of a single family home has increased by a factor of 8.3, while the median household income has only risen by 3.2 times. This difference in cost and pay is a significant contributor to the housing affordability problem in the United States.

The cost of housing is as complex as the problem of poverty. It is dependent upon supply and demand, interest rates, policies, taxes, and even community actions such as formation of homeowners' associations or opposition to new development.

Escalating housing costs are further exacerbated by corporations and foreign interests that purchase homes and land with substantial capital. These entities then rent these properties at higher rates for profit further commodifying homeownership.

The crux of the issue is that housing is treated as an investment opportunity rather than a fundamental right. Investments are a means to generate wealth through appreciation which aligns well for non-essential goods and services but is catastrophic for essential needs like housing.

Transitioning housing to a fundamental right in the United States poses significant challenges because it has long been perceived as an investment. A correction in housing prices from this shift could lead to financial hardship for a large quantity of citizens. For this reason, any solution will need to be approached cautiously.

• Prohibit corporations and foreign entities from owning housing or land.
• Renegotiate existing loans with lenders to avert nationwide debt.
• Revise zoning and property laws to better meet the needs of local communities.
• Utilize modern technology to develop affordable and sustainable homes.
• Launch educational programs for homeowners on effective home maintenance.
• Provide landlords with alternative income opporunties through job creation.

Thank you.

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