A painting, mostly in shades of blue, showing a group of people of all ages, genders, and races, building a shelter together in a wooded area. The sky is stormy and dark, and it is raining out, but light shines down on the shelter being built, illuminating the people around and inside of it. A figure covering their head with a blue denim jacket approaches in the foreground. A figure stepping out of the shelter waves to them in greeting.

Under the Lens

Shelter in a Federal Storm: State and Local Housing Solutions for a Time of Federal Hostility

While chaos reigns at the federal level, it’s up to states and local governments to creatively hold the line, fill the gaps, and figure out new ways forward. Drawing on examples from around the country, this series explores some of the many things they could do—and are already doing. Not sure where to start? Check out our series guide.

Acting Locally: States, Counties, and Cities on the Front Lines

April 6, 2026 | Miriam Axel-Lute

Even in challenging times, there are many actions that state and local governments can take to improve housing access and look out for their residents.
A painting, mostly in shades of blue, showing a group of people of all ages, genders, and races, building a shelter together in a wooded area. The sky is stormy and dark, and it is raining out, but light shines down on the shelter being built, illuminating the people around and inside of it. A figure covering their head with a blue denim jacket approaches in the foreground. A figure stepping out of the shelter waves to them in greeting.

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Four college-aged students—three women and one man—standing in the hallway of a government building. Each of the students holds a piece of paper in one of their hands. A sign on the wall on the right-hand side of the photo reads "Representative Greg Bonnen, Chair Committee on Appropriations."
Housing Supply

Supply Reforms Put Housing on the Agenda, Even in Red States

May 20, 2026 | Miriam Axel-Lute

Laws designed to ease regulations that limit housing diversity and supply are passing in states around the country. Affordable housing advocates in four states talked with us about the coalitions that have come together, and how they might fit within the larger advocacy framework.

A painting, mostly in shades of blue, showing a group of people of all ages, genders, and races, building a shelter together in a wooded area. The sky is stormy and dark, and it is raining out, but light shines down on the shelter being built, illuminating the people around and inside of it. A figure covering their head with a blue denim jacket approaches in the foreground. A figure stepping out of the shelter waves to them in greeting.
Explainers

Series Guide: Shelter in a Federal Storm

May 27, 2026 | Miriam Axel-Lute

Start here to navigate our series on state and local strategies that are being deployed at a time when federal action is largely blocked.

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