In a regional housing plan, what is the purpose of a housing needs assessment?

• A. To identify the quantity, type, and affordability of housing needed for the region
• B. Evaluate climate risks
• C. Determine traffic patterns
• D. Set baseline tax rate

Answer: (A)

Understanding how many homes are needed, what kinds, and at what price points is the central aim of a housing needs assessment in a regional plan. It uses population and income projections to estimate the quantity, unit mix, and affordability level required over the planning period, producing targets that guide zoning, land use, and affordable-housing programs. This assessment ensures decisions reflect actual demand and helps prioritize investments to close gaps where households struggle to find housing that fits their means and location. Climate risk, traffic patterns, and tax policy serve other planning objectives and analyses; they are not the focus of a housing needs assessment, which is specifically about aligning housing supply with demand and affordability.