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Berkeley's LIHTC-Funded Affordable Housing: A Three-Decade Commitment
CATEGORY
Affordable Housing
DATA
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
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Affordable Housing
LIHTC Projects
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Population
Berkeley, Missouri, a city in the St. Louis metropolitan area, has a population of 8,579 as of 2022. The city's Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funded affordable housing inventory comprises 179 units, all designated as low-income. This represents approximately 5.4% of the city's estimated 3,287 housing units, indicating a significant contribution to affordable housing needs, though below the 15-20% target for a balanced affordable housing stock.
Berkeley has received $1,018,071 in LIHTC project tax credits. With approximately 14 projects, this amounts to an average federal funding of $72,719 per project and $5,687 per unit. The city holds 0.29% of Missouri's total LIHTC funding, a notable share for its size.
Affordable housing in Berkeley dates back to 1988, with the completion of the first LIHTC project at 6019 Shillington Dr. The most recent project, Affordable Homes of Berkeley, was completed in 2020, demonstrating ongoing commitment to affordable housing development.
The 1980s and early 1990s were the most active periods for affordable housing development in Berkeley, with multiple projects completed. Notable projects from this era include 6304 Hancock Ave, 8318-8325 Wabash, and Evergreen.
Berkeley's LIHTC-funded housing stock primarily consists of one-bedroom units (161), with fewer three-bedroom (16) and four-bedroom (2) units. This distribution suggests a focus on smaller households and families.
Two recent projects, Heritage Senior Apartments (2016) and Affordable Homes of Berkeley (2020), target individuals with disabilities, indicating efforts to address the needs of this vulnerable population.
Over the past decade, Berkeley's population has remained relatively stable with slight fluctuations. The median income has generally remained in the $40,000 range with some variability. The city's racial composition has been predominantly African American, consistently around 80% of the population, with a gradual increase in Hispanic residents from 1% to 7% between 2013 and 2022.
In conclusion, Berkeley, Missouri, has maintained a consistent commitment to affordable housing through the LIHTC program for three decades. While the current inventory falls short of ideal targets, it represents a significant portion of the city's housing stock. The recent focus on housing for individuals with disabilities demonstrates an evolving approach to meeting specific community needs. The stable population and income levels, coupled with ongoing LIHTC project development, suggest a continued demand for affordable housing in the city.
