Affordable Housing in West End Manor: LIHTC's Long-Term Impact on Birmingham Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
DATA SOURCE
West End Manor, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, has a significant presence of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing. The neighborhood has a total of 66 affordable units, all of which are designated as low-income units. This LIHTC-funded inventory plays a crucial role in addressing the housing needs of the community.
Based on the estimated housing inventory of 1,334 units for the neighborhood's 2022 population, the 66 LIHTC-funded affordable units represent approximately 4.95% of the total housing stock. This percentage indicates that LIHTC-funded affordable housing contributes to the neighborhood's housing diversity, though it falls short of the target 15-20% affordable housing stock typically recommended for a well-balanced community.
The LIHTC program has invested $97,950 in tax credits for affordable housing in West End Manor. This translates to an average federal funding of $1,484 per unit. The neighborhood's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory consists entirely of two-bedroom units, which can accommodate small families or individuals needing additional space.
Alameda Terrace Apartments, completed in 1991, is the sole LIHTC project in West End Manor. This development has been providing affordable housing options to the community for over three decades, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to affordable housing in the area.
Over the past decade, West End Manor has experienced some demographic shifts. The population has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 3,095 in 2014 to 3,482 in 2022. Median income has shown an upward trend, rising from $24,643 in 2014 to $34,484 in 2022, representing a 40% increase over this period.
Regarding racial distribution, the neighborhood has consistently maintained a predominantly Black population, with percentages ranging from 97% to 99% throughout the past decade. However, in 2022, there was a slight decrease in the Black population to 94%, with a small increase in Hispanic (4%) and White (2%) residents.
Despite the increase in median income, the persistent need for affordable housing is evident, given that the median income remains relatively low compared to national averages. The stability of the LIHTC-funded housing inventory over this period suggests that it continues to serve an important role in the community, even as demographic changes occur.
West End Manor's LIHTC-funded affordable housing inventory, while modest in size, has been a consistent presence in the neighborhood for over 30 years. The 66 two-bedroom units at Alameda Terrace Apartments represent nearly 5% of the estimated housing stock, contributing to housing affordability in the area. While demographic shifts have occurred, including a gradual increase in median income and slight changes in racial composition, the continued presence of LIHTC housing underscores its ongoing importance in meeting the community's housing needs. The analysis highlights the enduring role of LIHTC-funded housing in West End Manor, even as the neighborhood experiences demographic changes over time.
