Housing crisis and working-class focus drive DNC momentum

• The 2024 election may pivot on housing issues, and community leaders are pushing to ensure real change follows the election-year spotlight.

Cooper, CEO and co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, says his goal is to ensure the Harris administration takes over the housing task, continuing the work his organization has been doing. 

What he's saying: "In this society, folks who are powerful have decided that some people are waste people, and I mean that literally," Cooper says. "They've decided that some people are fertilizer on which they're going to grow a different society."

• Cooper's group estimates that roughly 60 million registered voters are renters in America, approximately 26% of the eligible voting population.
• "They're young, they're people of color, and they're dealing with the immediate issue of skyrocketing living costs," he explains.

The intrigue: They're also powerful. "If renters had voted at the same rate as homeowners in 2016, Hillary (Clinton) would have won," Cooper said.

By the numbers: Popular Democracy's polling indicates that younger voters and renters prioritize affordability but feel it is underrepresented in candidate discussions.

• According to the poll, 59% of renters are between 18 and 35, and 37% are people of color.
• The poll indicates that 70% stated they are more inclined to vote for candidates who support rent stabilization policies.
• It notes that 67% prioritize voting for candidates who advocate for substantial government funding for affordable rentals.

Catch up quick: Tim Walz, who accepted the Democratic Party's vice presidential nomination on Wednesday, highlighted Harris's plans to cut middle-class taxes and expand homeownership opportunities — signals where the campaign will focus its efforts in the final 70-plus days.

• Harris included in her recently-announced economic plan promises to build three million new housing units and offer $25,000 in downpayment assistance for first-time buyers.
• Former President Trump's campaign has said he plans to lower housing costs by promoting new construction on the outskirts of cities, canceling Biden's "anti-suburban housing regulation," and cracking down on immigration to free up housing for U.S. citizens.

Zoom out: Urban League president and CEO Marc Morial, who discussed fair housing Thursday at the Democratic National Convention, told Axios "Donald Trump denied Black people the American dream."

"Kamala Harris has a plan to build more housing, keep rent prices fair, and help more people own homes," he said.

Morial told Axios he attended the convention to discuss the organization's D3 campaign with policymakers and influencers. The campaign centers around three key principles: defend Democracy, demand diversity and defeat poverty.

• The D3 campaign aims to tackle issues such as voting rights, economic disparities, and persistent attacks on diversity, including challenges to affirmative action.
• "We've been doing this work for ages," Morial explained, "but this renewed focus helps our followers, constituents, and the general public better understand the focal points of our mission."

Justin Brannan, a New York delegate and Brooklyn City Councilman, said he hopes everyone leaves Chicago "ready to carry the message forward," so the excitement and unity felt at the convention translates into real change come November.

• "This election is about regular working families," he said. "It's about lowering drug prices, making healthcare more affordable, and ensuring universal childcare. These are the issues that matter to people."

Go deeper: Rep. Maxwell Frost stresses housing as priority for young voters