Housing Advocacy Takes Center Stage at Democratic National Convention

The 2024 election may pivot on housing issues, with community leaders pushing for real change to follow the election-year spotlight. DaMareo Cooper, CEO and co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, is advocating for working-class rights at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. Cooper emphasizes the importance of ensuring the Harris administration takes over the housing task, continuing the work his organization has been doing.

Cooper’s group estimates that roughly 60 million registered voters are renters in America, representing approximately 26% of the eligible voting population. These renters are predominantly young, people of color, and are facing the immediate issue of skyrocketing living costs. Cooper highlights the power of renters, stating that if they had voted at the same rate as homeowners in 2016, the election outcome could have been different.

According to Popular Democracy’s polling, younger voters and renters prioritize affordability but feel it is underrepresented in candidate discussions. The polling indicates that renters are more inclined to vote for candidates who support rent stabilization policies and advocate for substantial government funding for affordable rentals.

The Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee, Tim Walz, highlighted Harris’s plans to cut middle-class taxes and expand homeownership opportunities. Harris has promised to build three million new housing units and offer $25,000 in downpayment assistance for first-time buyers. In contrast, former President Trump’s campaign plans to lower housing costs by promoting new construction on the outskirts of cities and cracking down on immigration.

Urban League president and CEO Marc Morial emphasized the importance of fair housing and the impact of housing policies on marginalized communities. He discussed the organization’s D3 campaign, which focuses on defending democracy, demanding diversity, and defeating poverty.

Overall, the focus on housing issues in the 2024 election underscores the significance of affordable housing as a key priority for voters, especially renters who are facing increasing living costs. Community leaders and policymakers are working to ensure that housing remains a central issue in the upcoming election and that real change follows the spotlight on housing concerns.