This study examines how local and international funding interventions focussed on specific regions, such as 'city deals,' deliver affordable rental housing for low income households to enhance urban productivity. Such strategic policy interventions offer some promise in creating new economic opportunities. However, explicit policies are needed to ensure low income households can access affordable housing close to employment opportunities.

The report shows that place-based deals, including Australia’s emerging city deal model, offer unique opportunities for enhancing urban and regional productivity and that 'satellite cities' near capital city employment centres can play an important role in providing affordable rental housing for workers in the second-lowest income quintile.

Overall, the study finds that specific mechanisms are needed to create or preserve affordable rental housing in areas benefiting from new investment and improved connectivity to employment opportunities.