Working Toward a Future Where Safe, Decent and Affordable Housing is Accessible to All

By Alex Fernandez, Senior Director of Advocacy, Vinyl Siding Institute

Housing affordability continues to be a pressing concern affecting individuals and families nationwide, with the escalating costs of building materials and over-regulation serving as significant impediments to accessible housing.

The rising prices of essential components like lumber, concrete and steel have created a ripple effect throughout the construction industry, driving up expenses for builders and developers. These soaring material costs force housing providers to either pass the burden onto buyers or scale back on projects, exacerbating the shortage of affordable homes.

Simultaneously, over-regulation adds another layer of complexity, with stringent zoning restrictions, lengthy permit processes and excessive building codes stifling innovation and driving up construction costs further. The mismatch between regulatory frameworks and local contexts often leads to unnecessary delays and inflated expenses, hindering efforts to address the housing crisis effectively.

How VSI Is Trying to Help

To tackle the housing affordability challenge, VSI is supporting legislation in Iowa, Minnesota and Georgia. If a building material is approved in the state’s building code, localities cannot ban the material or mandate a more expensive, less desirable material.

VSI is also supporting tangential legislation that creates tax incentives and streamlines regulatory processes while maintaining essential safety and quality standards.

By addressing these root causes and implementing proactive measures, we can strive towards a future where safe, decent and affordable housing is accessible to all.