Changing Systems to Make Affordable Housing Possible
Affordable housing isn’t just about building units, it’s about building systems that support equity, opportunity, and thriving communities. Front Porch Investments advocates at the local, state, and national levels to ensure housing policy drives real change. Since its formation in 2022, Front Porch has become a trusted voice and influential coalition partner in support of public policies and investments that promote affordable housing development and housing justice.
Our Approach to Policy and Advocacy
We take a strategic and tiered approach to advocacy, ensuring our resources are used where they will have the greatest impact.
- Lead: Chairing statewide committees, serving on Statewide Housing Councils, testifying in legislative and city council hearings, and driving coalitions
- Partner: Supporting lawmakers and their staff, coordinating with peer organizations, and submitting written comments on bills and ordinances
- Monitor: Tracking emerging policy barriers and solutions, providing education and resources across the housing ecosystem, and staying connected with partners and stakeholders
Policy Priorities
Our current advocacy priorities focus on addressing systemic barriers to affordable housing and strengthening funding streams:
- Expanding funding for affordable housing (Housing Trust Fund, Middle Income Workforce Housing Fund, tax credits)
- Removing barriers to development (zoning, land use, TIF modernization)
- Strengthening accountability & innovation (data transparency, pilots, new financing tools)
Recent Wins
Our advocacy has already led to significant progress in housing policy.
In 2025, we worked with coalition partners to pass seven housing development bills at the state legislature and are currently preparing to participate in the many housing-related interim studies taking place at the legislature during the interim period. We also joined the We Make Omaha technical committee on housing, which is working to ensure that the City of Omaha's comprehensive plan revamp includes policy changes designed to accelerate housing production and affordability.
In 2024, Front Porch played an integral role on many key planning groups and advocacy coalitions, testified in key appropriations committee hearings, and sponsored the second annual Housing Affordability and Justice Lobby Day. We also worked with local coalition partners to support the passage of an ordinance to make it easier for homeowners throughout Omaha to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property to grow and diversify Omaha’s housing inventory.
In 2023, we worked with housing champions from both parties to introduce a coordinated package of five bills to reduce policy barriers and accelerate the production of affordable housing across Nebraska. We also hosted a first of its kind Housing Affordability and Justice Lobby Day, worked with Spark and NIFA to host a senator briefing on the new Statewide Strategic Housing Framework, and successfully engaged many business interests (chambers, realtors, home builders, developers, municipalities, economic development organizations) around our shared priorities. We also began work with the City of Omaha to implement the recommendations contained in the Housing Affordability Action Plan through participation on three implementation committees.
Advocacy in Action
From hosting Nebraska’s first Housing Affordability and Justice lobby day to testifying in hearings and developing educational resources for elected officials, we are active in shaping policy at every level. Our team also partners with local, state, and national organizations to amplify impact.
