Blueprint for Opportunity series

Build Homes, Expand Opportunity: Lessons from America’s fastest-growing cities

Charlotte, North Carolina, ranks No. 1 out of the top 250 U.S. metros in terms of growth-friendly, pro-housing policies, according to a new report from the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg via Getty Images)

The United States faces a national housing shortage, with some experts estimating a need for 3.8 to 7.3 million more housing units. The George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth initiative released the newest report in the Blueprint for Opportunity series, “Build Homes, Expand Opportunity: Lessons from America’s fastest growing cities,” ranking America’s 250 largest metro areas according to how growth-friendly their housing policies are. Based on the report’s analysis, if all of America’s 250 largest metros had similar housing policies to those of the leading metros, average home prices would be some $115,000 lower than they are today, while monthly rents would be $450 lower.

Along with first-of-its-kind data, the report includes policy recommendations for federal, state, and local governments as well as philanthropic organizations aimed at easing this crisis for future generations.

Read the report

Download the explainer

How America can create more cities of opportunity

Cities and neighborhoods make a powerful difference to people’s opportunities. The Blueprint for Opportunity series focuses on strengthening America’s cities in their vital role as engines of upward mobility.

Read the full series

About the George W. Bush Institute

The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.

About the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

The Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative combines the public policy expertise of the George W. Bush Institute and the academic expertise of SMU. The joint initiative draws from economic policy- making experience at the highest levels and from cutting edge academic research to identify ideas for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and faster, more inclusive growth through global competitiveness and sound immigration policy.

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