Access to fair and affordable housing remains a critical issue in the United States, particularly for diverse communities that have historically faced discrimination and displacement. While federal policies provide a foundation for fair housing, some states are taking proactive steps to create stronger protections, increase affordability, and prevent discriminatory practices. These states are implementing policies that prioritize racial equity, tenant rights, and homeownership opportunities for historically marginalized groups. Below are four states leading the way in creating fairer housing policies for diverse communities.
1. California: Strengthening Tenant Protections and Affordable Housing
California has long been at the forefront of housing reform, implementing policies designed to protect renters and increase affordable housing availability. The state’s Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) established statewide rent control and just-cause eviction protections, helping to prevent landlords from unfairly raising rents or displacing long-term residents. To further combat displacement, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have expanded their rent stabilization programs and strengthened tenant advocacy services.
In addition to rental protections, California has been investing heavily in community land trusts and first-time homebuyer assistance programs for low-income and minority families. The California Dream for All program provides shared-equity down payment assistance, allowing more families of color to enter the housing market. The state has also been cracking down on housing discrimination through stricter enforcement of fair housing laws. With these initiatives, California is working to create a more equitable housing landscape for all residents.
2. Minnesota: Tackling Racial Disparities in Homeownership
Minnesota has one of the largest racial homeownership gaps in the country, with Black and Indigenous families owning homes at significantly lower rates than their white counterparts. To address this disparity, the state launched the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance, a coalition dedicated to increasing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) homeownership. Programs like the First-Generation Homebuyer Program provide financial assistance to first-time buyers who come from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Additionally, Minnesota has strengthened its fair housing enforcement by increasing funding for legal aid services and anti-discrimination initiatives. The state is also working to eliminate racially restrictive covenants, which were historically used to exclude people of color from certain neighborhoods. Through educational campaigns and policy reforms, Minnesota is actively working to close the racial wealth gap by ensuring that homeownership is accessible to all.
3. Oregon: Expanding Affordable Housing and Anti-Displacement Measures
Oregon has been a leader in creating progressive housing policies aimed at protecting diverse communities from gentrification and displacement. In 2019, the state became the first in the nation to pass statewide rent control through SB 608, capping annual rent increases and prohibiting no-cause evictions after a tenant has lived in a property for a year. This law has provided stability for many low-income renters, particularly in cities like Portland, where rising housing costs have disproportionately impacted communities of color.
To further address housing inequities, Oregon has invested in community-driven solutions like tenant opportunity to purchase laws (TOPA), which give renters the first right to buy their rental homes if the landlord decides to sell. The state has also funded affordable housing projects that prioritize displaced families, allowing those pushed out of their neighborhoods to return. Through these measures, Oregon is working to create a more inclusive and stable housing market.
4. New Jersey: Protecting Renters and Increasing Homeownership Access
New Jersey has implemented some of the strongest tenant protections in the country, making it a leader in fair housing reform. The state’s Fair Chance in Housing Act prohibits landlords from using criminal records as an automatic disqualifier for rental applicants, helping formerly incarcerated individuals secure stable housing. New Jersey has also passed strict rent control laws in several cities, ensuring that low-income renters are not priced out of their homes.
On the homeownership front, the state has expanded first-time homebuyer programs, particularly targeting communities of color. The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency offers down payment assistance and forgivable loans to help close the racial homeownership gap. Additionally, the state has invested in preventing predatory lending practices, which have historically targeted Black and Latinx homebuyers. Through these policies, New Jersey is working to create a more equitable and accessible housing system.
