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What does "Affordable Housing" Mean?

The definitions for productive housing conversations

Eric Braun
Feb 10, 2026
∙ Paid
Aerial depiction of Raleigh, NC. (Source: Tichnor Brothers)

This explainer was originally published in 2022 by RaleighForward, as a primer on the tools and terms in affordable housing conversations. While housing policies, programs, and market conditions continue to evolve, the foundational concepts outlined here remain essential for understanding how cities approach housing affordability. We’re sharing it again as a common reference point for readers navigating today’s housing discussions.

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