Route Fifty — Finance (section)

AI Could Be ‘Force Multiplier’ in Tackling Housing Crisis, Expert Says

Artificial intelligence is being positioned as a "force multiplier" to address the chronic housing affordability crisis in U.S. and Canadian cities. Rochelle Haynes of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities initiative urges municipalities to invest in local data and AI to streamline permitting, zoning and land‑use decisions. Early adopters such as Edmonton, Cambridge, San Jose and Pittsburgh have already cut review times and accelerated affordable‑housing construction. Haynes outlines three steps—set ambitious goals, target high‑impact areas, and foster cross‑sector collaboration—to scale these gains.