AIA and U.S. Conference of Mayors Release National Housing Survey Highlighting Urgent Need for Action

WASHINGTON – January 17, 2025 –The National Housing Survey, conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) found that mayors anticipate the total housing shortfall, currently estimated at between 4 and 7 million units, will increase by more than 2 million units over the next five years, underscoring the immediate need for bold federal action. Findings from the USCM-AIA National Housing Survey highlight widespread concerns from mayors about escalating costs, insufficient federal funding, and onerous regulatory requirements.  

“It is estimated that 69% of Americans are very concerned about the rising cost of housing,” said Tom Cochran CEO and Executive Director of the USCM. “In fact, U.S. home prices have skyrocketed over 40% since 2020. Lack of housing impacts every corner of our country, every political persuasion, and every rung of the socioeconomic ladder. This survey illustrates the scale of the issue and articulates what our nation’s mayors and architects need to do to tackle the housing crisis.”  

AIA shares USCM’s belief that access to safe and affordable housing for all is essential to building thriving communities. 120 cities participated in the USCM-AIA National Housing Survey with nearly every mayor indicating that housing is a top priority for their community. Challenges such as a lack of direct and flexible funding, excessive federal requirements, and increasing construction costs have left cities struggling to meet housing demands.  

“The housing crisis isn’t just a local issue—it’s a national emergency,” said Evelyn Lee, FAIA, President of the AIA. “Architects are working alongside civic leaders to design smart, sustainable, and inclusive solutions that address this crisis and lay the groundwork for vibrant communities.”  

Key Findings from the Survey  

• More than half of mayors anticipate a 5,000 to 20,000-unit shortfall in the next 5 years.    
• Over 40% of American households are spending more than 30% of their income on rent, mortgage, or other housing costs.  
• The cost to build housing increased 29% over the past 3 years to $275.39 per square foot.
• Half of all mayors reported at least a 20% increase in median rental price over the past 3 years, and three in five mayors reported the same increase in sale prices.
• Every dollar invested in housing creates significant economic benefits, generating up to $4 in local economic activity.  
• Every $1 million invested in housing is estimated to create between 10 and 15 local jobs.  

Collaboration for Solutions  

The findings stress the need for collaboration between local, state and federal governments, with the support of professionals like architects. USCM and AIA are calling for the largest and most comprehensive investment in housing in our nation’s history, coupled with updates and reforms to current federal housing policies and programs.

AIA is calling on mayors to employ a Chief Architect to lead city efforts to address this crisis, reduce costly delays, and ensure that projects meet the unique needs of their community.  

“Chief Architects are the bridge between a community’s vision and meaningful progress,” added Lee. “This role offers mayors the in-house expertise to plan, design, and implement projects efficiently and in alignment with the cities goals”  

Looking Ahead  

Both organizations are urging federal leaders to provide cities with the flexible and direct funding needed to implement long-term housing solutions. Local leaders are also encouraged to update zoning and land use policies to expedite housing development.  

“Housing is the bedrock of a thriving community and a central tenet of the ‘American Dream’,” stressed Cochran. “A national crisis calls for a national response and the nation’s mayors demand the largest and most comprehensive investment in America’s housing supply in history.”    

AIA President Evelyn Lee presented the full findings of the survey at the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting in Washington, D.C. She was accompanied by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson.

About the Survey

The United States Conference of Mayors & The American Institute of Architects National Housing Survey was distributed to mayors across the country to assess their needs and priorities in addressing the nation’s housing crisis. In total, 120 cities from 43 states responded to this survey representing 34,921,066 Americans.