The mutual housing developments known as limited-equity cooperatives give lower-income residents an opportunity to buy into a building where they could not otherwise afford it.
The city of Pittsburgh is evaluating the potential of mutual housing developments as a tool for boosting affordable housing, reports Hallie Lauer. “The developments — referred to as limited-equity cooperatives — are an affordable housing tool where the building is owned collectively by the residents, but buy-ins are offered at below market prices and are for low income residents.”
“To fully understand the role of LECs in affordable housing, council is asking that the city’s planning department and Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections prepare a report regarding limited-equity cooperatives that are in the city.” The City Council wants to know how many of these developments currently exist, their regulations, and how they are structured. “It is also looking for recommendations that could increase the number of these buildings like incentivizing them by waiving permit fees or funding options to build new LECs.” The Council is also looking to existing LEC regulations in other cities as models for Pittsburgh.
FULL STORY: Pittsburgh City Council to explore alternative ways to promote affordable housing
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