“This program presents a unique opportunity for our students to actively contribute by engaging in real-world challenges and collaborating with the City to implement tangible solutions outlined in its housing plan,” said , professor of practice in the Department of Political Science and director of the Community Fellows graduate program and Environmental Policy program, alongside her role as faculty co-director of the Small Cities Lab.
The community partners were awarded $850,000 in funding for the project through passage of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Bill. Additional funding includes a U.S. Housing and Urban Development grant for $196,722 to conduct a qualitative survey of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinances, cataloging best practices and other financial incentives that contributed to the success of ADU reforms in small-to-medium-sized municipalities.
“Embracing innovation and community collaboration, the Alley House Program presents a remarkable opportunity for viogٷվ researchers and students to address the pressing issue of affordable housing,” said viogٷվ Provost Nathan Urban.
The program aligns with viogٷվ’s research and educational mission, as well as the missions of CALV and New Bethany to help provide access to quality housing options for all community members, and supports the City of Bethlehem’s 2023 affordable housing strategy study.