A strategic housing investment plan (SHIP) is a document that outlines a local authority’s priorities for affordable housing investment over a five-year period. It sets out how the authority will use its resources to meet the housing needs of its residents, and it is developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including housing providers, community groups, and the public.
The main components of a SHIP typically include:
- A needs assessment: This identifies the key housing challenges facing the local authority, such as homelessness, overcrowding, and affordability.
- Investment priorities: These are the specific areas where the authority will focus its investment, such as new build affordable housing, the refurbishment of existing housing, and support for vulnerable groups.
- Delivery plan: This sets out how the investment priorities will be delivered, including the timescales and resources required.
- Monitoring and evaluation: This ensures that the SHIP is on track to achieve its objectives and that it is being delivered effectively.
Here are some of the benefits of having a SHIP:
- It provides a clear and transparent framework for decision-making.
- It helps to ensure that resources are allocated effectively.
- It can improve the quality and quantity of affordable housing.
- It can promote community engagement and participation.
In the United States, there is no federal equivalent to a SHIP. However, many states and local governments have their own affordable housing investment plans. These plans vary in terms of their scope and detail, but they all share the common goal of improving the availability and affordability of housing for low- and moderate-income households.
Here are some examples of strategic housing investment plans in the United States:
- The California Statewide Housing Plan: This plan, which was adopted in 2019, sets a goal of building 1.75 million new homes in California by 2030, including 385,000 affordable homes.
- The New York City Housing Plan: This plan, which was adopted in 2014, sets a goal of creating 200,000 units of affordable housing in New York City over a 10-year period.
- The Massachusetts Housing Production Plan: This plan, which was adopted in 2017, sets a goal of creating 125,000 new housing units in Massachusetts by 2022, including 40,000 affordable units.
Strategic housing investment plans are an important tool for addressing the affordable housing crisis in the United States. By providing a roadmap for investment, these plans can help to ensure that everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.