Guide for Developing Housing on County-Owned Land
This guide outlines how counties can strategically use their own vacant or underutilized land to help address the nationwide shortage of affordable housing. It walks county leaders through a structured process: identifying suitable parcels, evaluating zoning constraints, modeling financial feasibility through pro formas and selecting the right ownership and development structure. The report emphasizes how these steps—combined with understanding local infrastructure, neighborhood context and potential housing typologies—can reduce land and development costs while boosting long-term affordability.
By following the practices shared through NACo’s Counties for Housing Solutions program, counties can overcome common barriers, build public trust, attract developers and ultimately expand housing supply.
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This guide outlines how counties can strategically use their own vacant or underutilized land to help address the nationwide shortage of affordable housing. It walks county leaders through a structured process: identifying suitable parcels, evaluating zoning constraints, modeling financial feasibility through pro formas and selecting the right ownership and development structure. The report emphasizes how these steps—combined with understanding local infrastructure, neighborhood context and potential housing typologies—can reduce land and development costs while boosting long-term affordability.
By following the practices shared through NACo’s Counties for Housing Solutions program, counties can overcome common barriers, build public trust, attract developers and ultimately expand housing supply.
Housing Affordability Resource Hub
This resource hub brings together data, analysis and tools to support county leaders in expanding housing access and affordability for their residents.
House unveils revised housing package with key county wins
House amends Senate-passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, reflecting feedback offered by counties.
NACo endorses bill to support, finance transit-oriented development projects
On April 20, NACo endorsed the Build Housing, Unlock Benefits and Services (Build HUBS) Act (H.R. 7062/S. 3636).
County Leaders Unite to Drive Federal Action on Housing and Homelessness
The National Association of Counties (NACo) and county leaders from large urban counties across the country are coming together for a leadership fly-in meeting April 22-23 to explore innovative solutions for housing and homelessness in urban communities. The event provides a platform for peer exchange among county leaders, highlights leading local strategies and strengthens federal advocacy efforts to align national policies with county-driven solutions.
Local Plaintiffs win Continuum of Care suit, HUD to restore expired projects
HUD Restores Q1 and Q2 Continuum of Care Projects, as directed by Congress.
Proposed HUD rule may result in work requirements and time limits for public housing; Comments due May 1
Proposed HUD Rule would allow work requirements and term limits for housing assistance
Policy Insider – March 30, 2026
NACo's Policy Insider is your weekly update on federal policies, funding decisions and legislative activity impacting counties nationwide.
Major Housing Bill Update: What Counties Need to Know About the Updated 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
Join NACo for a timely briefing on the latest version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which reflects key changes NACo fought for on behalf of county governments nationwide.
Leveraging Opioid Settlement Funds for Housing Supports: Strategies for Counties
This webinar will highlight practical strategies for using opioid settlement funds to support housing initiatives at the local level.