Housing

We want Springfield to be a welcoming community for all people in every phase of life, whether it’s just starting out with a new family or downsizing to a smaller home. There is a shortage of housing in the community, and the cost of housing is high relative to household incomes, leaving may households cost burdened. Cost burdened households are those paying more than 30% of their household income on housing costs, including rent and utilities. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), one third of Springfield households are cost burdened.[1]

The City is working to address the community’s housing needs by supporting several efforts to increase the supply and affordability of housing across the housing continuum. In 2016 the City conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate housing needs in Springfield, and to identify efforts to address the community’s needs. The result is the Springfield Housing Strategy, which includes the actions the City is taking to tackle Springfield’s housing challenges. The Housing Strategy handout summarizes the projects and programs approved by the Springfield City Council to help meet Springfield’s housing needs. See the handout here.

Housing Efforts

Visit these pages to learn more about the City’s housing programs and efforts:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Building a small dwelling on your property
• Fair Housing – Rights and resources
• Homelessness – Resources and programs for those at-risk or experiencing homelessness
• Home Repair Program – Repair assistance for very low-income homeowners
• HUD Funds – Funding for housing and community development
• Housing Incentive Programs – Incentives for development of new housing
• Land Acquisition – Properties for development of income-qualified housing
• Manufactured Home Parks – Funding for new manufactured homes
• RV Occupancy – Staying in an RV on private property
• Springfield Homeownership Program (SHOP) – Assistance for low-income first-time homebuyers