Housing Playbook: A Practical Guide for Employers

Addressing the Region’s Housing Crisis: An Employer Call to Action

The Greater Washington Partnership Housing Playbook was launched in response to the Baltimore Washington DC–Richmond region’s deepening affordable housing crisis and its impact on the broader economy. Rapidly rising housing costs and stagnant wage growth have placed stable housing out of reach for too many families—threatening the region’s competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

This challenge is not unique to our region. Across America, soaring rents and home prices over the past three decades have left millions struggling to secure stable housing. Yet, our region stands at the center of both the challenge and the opportunity. Combined, the region’s three metro areas make up the fourth largest urban economy in the U.S.—one that is home to world-class universities, leading industries and employers and a skilled workforce. We have the talent, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystem to thrive. But we also face a significant housing shortage, with an estimated 390,000-unit gap that must be addressed to secure our shared future.

The Housing Playbook identifies opportunities for employers to take a leadership role in addressing these challenges through a two-pronged strategy:

1. Champion pro-housing policies like zoning reform, streamlined permitting and transit-oriented development; and
2. Deliver direct solutions through capital, public-private partnerships, employee assistance programs and asset transformation.

What’s Inside the Playbook?

• A Flexible Framework, Not a Formula. This resource does not prescribe a single path for every private sector employer or jurisdiction. Communities face different housing market dynamics, and strategies must be adapted to reflect local needs, assets and constraints.
• A Living Tool, Not a Static Report. Rather than a one-time analysis of the housing crisis, this playbook is designed to evolve with the moment—offering practical, action-oriented strategies that employers can apply and update as conditions change.
• A Starting Point, Not the Final Word. The ideas and solutions outlined here are meant to spark dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. Success will depend on local leaders engaging with public, private, and civic partners, building coalitions, and learning from peers across the region and the country.

At its core, this playbook is a practical guide—a catalyst to equip decision-makers with adaptable, scalable approaches that expand affordable housing, strengthen economic competitiveness and ensure the Greater Washington region remains a vibrant, inclusive place to live and work.