A Low-Income Housing Program Is Pouring Billions Into Housing Many People Can’t Afford
A federal tax credit program aimed at increasing affordable housing is reportedly failing to provide housing that low-income individuals can afford. The program has resulted in many new apartments that are priced similarly to market rates, leaving some subsidized units vacant. Critics argue that the program needs reform to better serve those in need of affordable housing.
- ▪The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit provides up to $15 billion in subsidies annually to developers for building apartments.
- ▪In Portland, many subsidized units are priced at around $1,400 a month, which is unaffordable for those earning minimum wage.
- ▪Research indicates that the program does not effectively reach low-income renters and may not expand the overall housing supply.
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Illustration by Shoshana Gordon/ProPublica. Source images via IRS and Flickr. A Low-Income Housing Program Is Pouring Billions Into Housing Many People Can’t Afford The federal tax credit provides up to $15 billion in subsidies a year to help developers build apartments. It’s created housing that’s often no more affordable than the market rate. by Tony Schick, Oregon Public Broadcasting Co-published with Oregon Public Broadcasting June 3, 2026, 5:00 am {"componentName":"ShareToolsRebrand","props":{"pageTitle":"A Low-Income Housing Program Is Pouring Billions Into Housing Many People Can’t Afford","pageUrl":"https://www.propublica.org/article/low-income-housing-tax-credit-portland"},"contextArray":[]} {"componentName":"DarkModeToggleRebrand","props":{},"contextArray":[]} Contrast Change…
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