The United States is in the middle of a persistent housing crisis that disproportionately affects low-income families, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The crisis has exacerbated inequalities, limiting access to affordable housing options for the most vulnerable populations.

To address this, many developers have integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments into their investment strategies. The challenge lies in translating ESG commitments into equitable residential developments that effectively contribute to solving the ongoing housing crisis.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defines equitable development as a method that prioritizes inclusivity and focuses on both the places and the people within them. When executed effectively, such developments not only uplift existing neighborhoods, but also mitigate issues of gentrification and displacement, offering sustainable support to underserved communities.

Despite the benefits, there is a widespread belief that equitable neighborhood developments are not financially self-sustaining and require subsidies to be viable. This research paper aims to challenge this perspective by examining how various organizations and for-profit entities have successfully implemented financially feasible equitable development projects, highlighting lessons learned for the broader for-profit development sector.