Affordable housing in Nashville is increasingly scarce. A recent study conducted by Vanderbilt University noted that a high number of cost-burdened households find it difficult to secure affordable housing near jobs and transportation. Public policy, community engagement, real estate development regulations, land use, and finance all play a role in addressing this challenge. Implementation of equitable development practices and policies can help address this problem and minimize displacement in Nashville's neighborhoods.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Enterprise Community Partners, NeighborWorks America, and Vanderbilt University hosted a discussion on equitable development strategies for neighborhoods in Nashville on Wednesday May 13, 2015, at Vanderbilt's Wyatt Center.
The forum explored current conditions affecting equitable development and discussed challenges that must be addressed to meet affordable-housing needs. The panel discussions and participatory brainstorming sessions allowed participants to learn about the perspectives, strategies, and programs that have been used to increase affordable housing development through engagement with researchers and practitioners at the forefront of this work.