Overview
The Housing Futures Center (HFC) at the University of Washington advances solutions to Washington’s most pressing housing challenges through research, education, and community partnerships. HFC builds capacity and supports informed decision-making to ensure that every Washingtonian has access to affordable and stable housing.
Housing in Washington is increasingly out of reach for many families. Over the next two decades, the state will need more than 1.1 million new housing units, two-thirds of which must be affordable to households earning less than 80% of the area median income. HFC works to meet this need by connecting knowledge, policy, and practice across disciplines and communities.
Download the HFC Two-Pager (PDF) to learn more about our mission and impact.
Our Work
Research
HFC conducts applied, locally relevant research and maintains accessible data resources that inform housing decisions statewide. Our work focuses on:
- Generating evidence on housing supply, affordability, and displacement
- Identifying systemic barriers to access and stability
- Supporting policymakers, advocates, and developers with tools and data to design effective programs and policies
Education
HFC prepares the next generation of housing leaders through interdisciplinary learning and practical experience. Students gain real-world insight through:
- Coursework focused on housing systems, policy, and production
- Case competitions and applied research projects
- Housing-related internships and fellowships
- Mentorship and engagement with industry and community partners
Community-Engaged Action
HFC brings together policymakers, developers, advocates, residents, and civic leaders to foster dialogue and collaboration. Engagement opportunities include:
- Structured discussions and design sessions focused on shared housing goals
- Events and convenings that highlight promising practices
- Collaborative projects that strengthen understanding and build collective action across the state
Shared Values
The Housing Futures Center’s work is guided by shared values that ensure impact, equity, and collaboration. We are:
- Pragmatic — focused on real-world impact and solutions that can be implemented
- Conscientious — committed to rigor, integrity, and equity in every project
- Humble — centering community voices and valuing diverse perspectives that inform lasting solutions
Leadership
Executive Director: Gregg Colburn, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Real Estate, Gregg leads the Housing Futures Center. His research focuses on housing policy, markets and affordability, advancing evidence-based solutions to create more sustainable housing systems.
How to Engage
Partnership fuels progress. You can help advance housing innovation in Washington by:
- Partnering on applied research and statewide initiatives
- Hosting student interns or fellows in your organization
- Supporting students through funding for internships, fellowships, or research
- Sharing expertise as a mentor, guest lecturer, or case competition advisor
- Promoting research and collaboration by suggesting study areas or sharing data
Join Us
Rooted in the University of Washington’s legacy of public service and innovation, the Housing Futures Center unites the College of Built Environments and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance to address housing challenges through research, education, and collaboration.
Contact
To learn more about the Housing Futures Center at the University of Washington, please contact:
- Gregg Colburn | colburn3@uw.edu
- Alex Haslam | alexeck3@uw.edu