THE LITTLE BOOK OF
Low-Cost, High-Impact Housing Solutions
Your Toolkit to Building an Affordable Future
Ivory Innovations is on a mission to make housing more affordable by shining a light on innovative solutions in policy and regulatory reform, finance, construction, and design. Meet our top six low-cost, high-impact solutions—curated for innovators ready to do the work.
City Leaders and Developers are Eager for Solutions
Across the nation, housing has become too difficult, too expensive, and too complicated to build, and we know there is another way.
The U.S. housing shortage is estimated to be between 4 and 5 million units.
Source: Brookings Institution, Make it count: Measuring our housing supply shortage, 2024
Home prices are rising faster than incomes, with the median home price now five times the median household income.
Source: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, The State of the Nation’s Housing 2026
Renter cost burdens have reached an all-time high.
Source: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, The State of the Nation’s Housing 2026
Cities, counties, and states are working to find solutions, be proactive, and test new ideas. This resource helps city leaders know where to start.
Six Proven Solutions
Streamline Development Approvals
Work with builders and developers to eliminate unnecessary regulations and simplify permitting and approvals.
Simplify the Design Process
Reign in design standards so they are easily understandable, efficient and affordable.
Build Infill on Existing Infrastructure
Consider prioritizing new homes and neighborhoods in infill locations where the infrastructure already exists to support growth.
Plan for Smart Density
Update your general plan to increase density and revise local zoning regulations to enable diverse housing types.
Employ New Construction Methods
Empower innovative builders to use cost-saving construction methods and overall make the construction process shorter, greener, and more affordable.
Try the Utah Way
Understand the value of strong public-private partnerships and new perspectives. Explore real-world examples in Utah that combine the power of state leadership and funding, public sector policy alignment, donated assets, and forward-thinking philanthropists.
Where Should I Start?
There are not one, but many solutions emerging to the housing crisis. Find a starting point below that fits your current situation.
Where should I start if I'm a...?
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You’ve heard from small-scale developers that the number one project killer is the lengthy approvals process. See the example of Site Plan Lite in Austin, TX to learn more about fast-tracking small housing projects.
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You’re trying to build a missing middle infill project to add needed attainable homes downtown, but current zoning makes this housing illegal in that area even though historic developments feature similar homes. See the example of the Residential Infill Project in Portland, OR to understand more about proposing a variance for this project.
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You care deeply about housing but don’t know exactly where to start. Perhaps you’ve heard about pre-approved plans to cut time from design review and permitting. See the example of Pre-Approved Plans in South Bend, IN to learn more.
Where should my community start?
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Solutions 1 (Streamline Approvals), 3 (Build Infill), and 4 (Plan for Smart Density) are good starting places to review and discuss among city leaders.
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Read through the municipal action checklists
Reach out to our Ivory Innovations team for support on adopting innovations
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See the case studies for success stories of places that worked with advocates, leaders, and the community to address a thorny housing problem.
Solution 4 (Plan for Density) and Solution 6 (The Utah Way) also have inspiring examples of places that have collaborated to deliver innovative new housing.
The Housing Development Process
Cities can positively impact housing development in their communities by understanding their role in the development process.
Conceptual
Pre-Dev
Entitlements
Pre-Con
Construction
Post-Con
Time is Money in the Development Process
Each stage of housing development has increased costs directly related to lengthy timelines and feasibility, design standards, entitlements, and construction.
Conceptual
- Idea & Scope
- Feasibility, Site Selection $$
Pre-Dev
- Land Acquisition $$$
- Design $$
- Financing $$$$
Entitlements
- Permitting $$
- Zoning $$
Pre-Con
- Infrastructure $$$
- Team, Scheduling,
Procurement, Materials $$$$+
Construction
- Developer Capacity
Building
- Developer Capacity
Post-Con
- Inspection & Certificate
of Occupancy $$$+
- Inspection & Certificate
Delays in Entitlements
Cities have the most control over permitting and zoning and can significantly reduce cost burdens and increase housing opportunities with targeted reforms.
Permitting $$
- Unpredictable & lengthy review timelines
- Multiple review cycles across departments
- Little consistency among reviewers
Zoning $$
- Rezone or special permits add uncertainty
- NIMBY opposition extends timeline
- Waiting increases project carrying costs
Innovators in Action
Our recommended partners have developed high-impact housing solutions and expertise to help communities advance their affordable housing goals. Learn more about their innovative solutions to common challenges in housing development.
Community Case Studies
