The Role of Local Housing Policies in Preventing Displacement: A Literature Review

Abstract

Residential displacement impacts the quality of life, health, and economic outlook for households. Yet, there is little evidence on how housing policy works to prevent displacement. This literature review examines how 12 housing policies, encompassing household/neighborhood stabilization, affordable housing preservation, and housing production, mitigate displacement. We conclude that stabilization strategies have the most direct and immediate effect on mitigating direct displacement, while housing production and preservation strategies can decrease indirect and/or exclusionary displacement. However, production policies typically require strong markets and longer time spans. Though more research is needed, local governments can still leverage housing policies to prevent displacement.