It's time to rethink multifamily housing | Opinion
Few topics generate more controversy at local council meetings than a proposed apartment community. Residents frequently raise concerns about traffic, schools, crime, neighborhood character, and property values. Those concerns are disconnected from today's reality. With the election behind us, local leaders have an opportunity to turn their attention to the decisions that will shape their communities for years to come. Housing policy, in particular, will play a critical role in determining whether communities can attract new residents, support local businesses and remain economically competitive. The truth is simple: multifamily housing is not a threat to strong communities. It is one of the building blocks of them. In fact, a 2026 study by Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization found that mid-rise apartments generated an average of $1.37 million in annual net municipal revenue per 10 acres across three Central Indiana communities, compared to just $8,710 for estate homes. The benefits extend to schools, where five rental housing types generated nearly $2 million in combined annual net revenue for a school district, while five ownership housing types produced a combined $213,597 deficit across equivalent development scenarios. Beyond public finances, higher-density housing provides the consistent customer base and foot traffic that local businesses need
