The Future of Multigenerational Housing in Existing Communities: Insights for Transatlantic Cities

Geraldine Gardner
Transatlantic Fellow, German Marshall Fund

Alexander Nasserjah
German Marshall Fund of the United States

In June 2018, the German Marshall Fund’s Cities program, in partnership with AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), convened a group of 13 experts from the United States and Europe to explore a specific dimension of multigenerational housing in transatlantic cities around the question, “How can the existing housing stock in established communities be adapted with new housing models and technological innovations?” Over the 2-day workshop, participants discussed alternative housing models and technological innovations that offer the opportunity to connect multiple generations, reduce isolation, and improve integration. This policy article is a synthesis of those discussions and an expansion of key points relating to housing solutions for multigenerational cities. The article begins by presenting a brief overview of the key trends and drivers in the housing market, followed by four alternative housing models discussed in the workshop, and ends in laying out the pathway policymakers and practitioners can move from ideas to action by deciding what type of housing models may be appropriate for their communities. As cities across the United States continue to search for new ways to develop housing that better suits their communities, it is our hope that this article is a useful resource in exploring why it is important to build multigenerational housing, what alternative housing models exist, and how to implement models best suited for those communities.