Families are the foundation of civil society. The availability of  affordable and quality housing is necessary to ensure the formation and growth of families. In addition to driving today’s economy, those families also bring up tomorrow’s workforce. For a state to retain its homegrown workforce and attract new workers, it must have affordable housing. The housing market can deliver on that need if allowed to function properly. To ensure access to affordable housing that meets the specific needs of each family and worker, state and local governments must refrain from heavy-handed regulatory restrictions that limit the right to develop private property to meet the needs of our communities.