Updated June 2026
The Filling the Gap Tool invites you to explore the funding opportunities available at the federal and state levels for the production and preservation of housing units. In addition to funding opportunities, you can explore local policy levers and cross-sector housing strategies municipalities can employ, with case studies of cities putting these policies and funding in action to fund local housing projects.
The programs and policies can be filtered by the type of housing project you want to finance:
- Production entails the construction of new housing units across various housing types to meet the local demand for housing effectively.
- Preservation entails safeguarding existing housing units, thereby preventing the loss of affordability and deterioration in quality. Key activities include repairing historic housing units, acquiring existing housing units to maintain affordability, addressing environmental, health and safety hazards, implementing energy upgrades, and enhancing the resilience of housing units.
Why Should Cities Use This Tool?
Funding often stands as a significant barrier preventing housing development projects from materializing. This tool empowers cities to become active partners in creating the housing supply they envision for their communities.
Often, there is a tension between the supply and demand of housing, stemming from the divergence between what developers can afford to build and operate and what consumers can afford in the market. This gap is what prevents projects from moving forward.
By utilizing this tool, cities can play a key role in advancing housing development by uncovering opportunities to reduce development costs. This may include:
- Subsidizing land costs
- Streamlining the development process to reduce the time cost of money
- Identifying federal, state and local funding sources
- Seeking out strategic partners
These efforts can help make housing projects more viable and better meet the needs of their communities.
What is the Housing Funding Gap?
The housing funding gap is defined as the difference between the projected costs and the available funding sources. Identifying and addressing this gap is crucial to ensuring the financial viability of housing development projects.
Project Costs – Funding Sources = Housing Funding Gap
To explore the Filling the Gap Tool, advance through tabs below.
Understanding Housing Development & Finance
What you need to know
FILLING THE GAP dashboard
Federal & State Programs
Funding opportunities at the federal and state levels
Filling the Gap dASHBOARD
Local Policy Levers & Cross-Sector Strategies
Opportunities at the local level
Municipal Case Studies
View the funding in action
Related Resources, FAQs & Project Notes
View details about the project