Washington – September 20, 2026 -- Ninety-six percent of surveyed U.S. mayors say their residents are very or extremely concerned about the affordability crisis, according to a National Affordability Survey released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM). The survey, described as the most comprehensive affordability study ever produced by the Conference, polled 113 mayors across 39 states and Puerto Rico, representing roughly 34.1 million Americans.
Housing costs top the list of concerns, mayors report
Ninety-six percent of respondents identified untenable housing costs as the primary driver of the affordability crisis. Nearly 93% reported a rising cost of living in their cities over the past year, with 39% saying conditions have significantly worsened. Groceries, utilities, childcare, transportation and healthcare costs were also cited as contributing pressures.
Food insecurity and business impacts widen
Nearly seven in ten mayors reported higher rates of food insecurity and foodbank usage in their cities. Two-thirds said local businesses are being hurt as residents have less disposable income to spend in their communities.
Rising costs are undermining housing and economic goals
Eighty-two percent of cities said rising housing costs are undercutting efforts to increase homeownership, while 71% said the same for reducing homelessness. Seventy percent reported the affordability crisis is limiting local economic growth, and 46% said it is creating challenges attracting and retaining workers.
Vallejo, California reports strained city services
A city official from Vallejo, California, said residents are increasingly relying on buses and transit due to gas prices despite longer travel times, while more households are falling behind on water bills and requesting fee discounts. Food banks in the city are seeing longer lines and new families seeking assistance, and legal services nonprofits providing eviction support are overwhelmed by demand.
Boise has built or is building 1,000 affordable housing units in six years
The city has set up utility assistance funds to offset city-owned utility bills and is pursuing public-private partnerships to build deeply affordable homes. Boise is also modernizing its zoning code to remove regulatory barriers and speed housing construction to address the supply imbalance.
Mayors call for federal partnership on solutions
USCM President and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said mayors are building more housing and supporting food assistance programs locally, but described the crisis as a national problem requiring strong federal partnership. He noted that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becoming law this summer marked an important first step on housing costs, but said substantial additional work remains. The survey was conducted from August 18 through September 4, 2026.