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As we close out 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and to share my heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast support. In a time marked by political division, our work has demonstrated that housing remains a rare and vital area of common ground—a challenge that unites us and inspires meaningful action.
At Up for Growth, we’ve worked tirelessly to keep federal housing policy at the forefront of bipartisan efforts, fostering collaboration to address one of the nation’s most critical challenges. A standout example of this is the Yes in My Backyard Act, which garnered support from 46 bipartisan co-sponsors and passed the House Financial Services Committee with a unanimous 48-0 vote. This achievement affirms a fundamental truth: solving the housing shortage cuts across political lines. It’s not about left versus right—it’s about addressing a deeply American issue that impacts families in every community, whether urban, suburban, or rural.
Another highlight of the year was the launch of the bipartisan Congressional YIMBY Caucus, which marks a significant step in bringing lawmakers together around housing solutions. To ensure the caucus remained genuinely bipartisan, Up for Growth played a key role in shaping its foundation. The result? A post-election launch with four Republican and four Democratic co-chairs—a balanced leadership team that reflects what’s possible when collaboration and mutual trust guide the process. This initiative underscores the importance of finding shared purpose to tackle one of our nation’s most pressing issues.
We also introduced our Regional Pro-Housing Policy Forums this year, creating opportunities for diverse stakeholders to address housing challenges at the local level while connecting those efforts to federal priorities. These forums brought together policymakers, advocates, and community leaders from across the political spectrum to engage in meaningful dialogue. By focusing on practical, actionable solutions, the forums advanced local conversations and emphasized the national importance of housing as a unifying issue. They showed that even in challenging times, collaboration can spark momentum for systemic change.
Our network is stronger than ever, now including over 350 organizations united by a shared commitment to housing solutions. This growth reflects the dedication of changemakers like you. While we come from many different perspectives, we are bound by a common purpose: the need for more housing. Your partnership is the reason this work continues to drive forward, and I’m incredibly grateful for your support.
As we look ahead to 2025, I’m filled with optimism. Together, we are showing that housing can be a bridge—bringing people together and offering solutions that benefit us all. Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the New Year!