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Affordable Housing in Braddock: LIHTC Impact on a Former Industrial Hub
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Braddock, Pennsylvania, a small community with an industrial past, has a significant Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory. The inventory comprises 90 total units, with 80 designated as low-income units. Given an estimated housing inventory of 695 units, LIHTC-funded affordable housing represents approximately 12.9% of the city's housing stock.
Braddock has received $1,953,208 in project tax credits through the LIHTC program. With five approximate projects, this equates to an average federal funding of $390,642 per project and $21,702 per unit. The city holds 0.33% of Pennsylvania's total LIHTC funding, indicating a relatively small but notable portion of the state's affordable housing investment.
Affordable housing has been present in Braddock for over three decades. The initial LIHTC project, 727 Washington Ave, was completed in 1988, while the most recent project, Overlook, was finished in 2013. The 1990s witnessed the most affordable housing development, with projects such as 4Th St Project (1990) and Parker Square (1999) being completed during this period.
The LIHTC-funded housing in Braddock primarily consists of larger units. The inventory includes 13 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units, and 20 three-bedroom units. This distribution suggests a focus on accommodating families and larger households.
Examining demographic trends over the past decade, Braddock has experienced population fluctuations. The population decreased from 2,436 in 2013 to 1,814 in 2022. Despite this decline, the median income has shown a positive trend, increasing from $18,421 in 2013 to $25,991 in 2022. This income growth may indicate improving economic conditions for some residents, although the need for affordable housing likely persists for many.
Racial demographics in Braddock have shifted notably. The Black population has increased from 66% in 2013 to 80% in 2022, while the White population has decreased from 31% to 15% during the same period. The Hispanic population has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 0% and 3% over the years.
In conclusion, Braddock's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory plays a significant role in meeting the community's housing needs. The city has maintained a consistent commitment to affordable housing development over three decades, with a focus on larger units suitable for families. While the population has decreased slightly, rising median incomes and changing racial demographics highlight the ongoing importance of maintaining and potentially expanding affordable housing options to ensure equitable access for all residents.
