As the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act approaches in August, we talk to Enterprise VP of Building Resilient Futures Krista Egger about what this landmark climate law means to the affordable housing sector.

Highlights of the four provisions in the groundbreaking Inflation Reduction Act that will benefit affordable multifamily housing.

While the world watches and calls for swift and immediate action to address climate change, environmental justice proponents warn that not all policies are created equal, and that some may serve to exacerbate existing inequities, including by race and ethnicity. While many homeowners can invest in efficiency upgrades, electric technologies, and renewable energy generation, renters—particularly low-income and BIPOC renters—rarely have the same options. A careful approach to decarbonization must be considered to avoid exacerbating the nation’s affordable housing crisis.

Six months after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, efforts are underway to ensure that affordable multifamily housing will have pathways to benefit from this historic legislation. Enterprise Community Partners and others in affordable housing continue to work to shape the programs authorized by the IRA through public comment submissions, and through tracking updates and new guidance as it becomes available.

Enterprise's Krista Egger recaps her testimony on Capitol Hill about the importance of creating a green affordable housing sector