Boyd Essay Contest: Call for Submissions
Do you have a bold idea for how to make housing affordable?
Submissions are now open for the Boyd Institute Housing Essay Contest! We’re looking for essays that answer one simple question:
What’s an actionable, outside-the-box solution to America’s housing crisis?
If you would like to read more about why we are so excited for this contest, please check out our previous announcement article. In short though, we think it is highly symbiotic for everyone involved if we reward high quality housing articles with cash.
Here’s what you need to know to apply.
Prizes and Recognition
Grand Prize: USD $2,500 cash, publication and promotion on our Substack, an all‑expenses‑paid trip to Washington, DC, and the honorary title of Boyd Fellow for one year.
Second Prize (Runner‑Up): USD $1,000 and publication/promotion on our Substack.
Third Prize (Runner‑Up): USD $1,000 and publication/promotion on our Substack.
Additional Publication: We may offer a USD $300 honorarium to authors whose essays we choose to publish beyond the top three.
All winners and published authors will be recognized on the Boyd Institute’s platforms.
Eligibility
Human (not AI) entrants aged 18 or older are eligible. One essay per author.
The contest is open worldwide, but the focus of this contest is on identifying novel solutions for the United States.
Essays may be submitted anonymously; however, only authors who provide their full legal name are eligible for the grand prize (which includes travel).
Submission Guidelines
Word Limit: Up to 2,500 words.
File Format: Upload your essay as a PDF via the official submission form. Include a descriptive title and page numbers; please omit personal identifiers from the body of the essay.
Language: Submissions must be in English.
Original Work: Essays must be original and authored by the entrant. You may submit previously published work if you retain the necessary rights. If you have previously published the essay you must disclose where.
AI Assistance Disclosure: If you use AI tools to brainstorm or edit your essay, briefly describe how you used them in a note attached to your submission. Fully AI‑generated essays are not permitted.
Deadline: 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Friday, October 31, 2025. Late entries will not be accepted. We will announce the winners in early-December 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
Our judges will evaluate submissions based on:
Originality: How novel and creative is the idea? This is a gnarly challenge and we need outside-the-box thinking!
Potential for Impact: If your idea was implemented would it significantly improve housing affordability? We are looking for ideas that substantially move the needle.
Actionability: Does the proposal offer a concrete and realistic path forward? Is it feasible within existing technological and/or economic constraints?
Clarity and quality: Is the essay well‑organized, and easy to follow? Is the proposal articulated persuasively for the general public, policymakers, and housing experts? While polished prose helps, we care most about the strength of your ideas.
Intellectual Property
Authors retain full copyright to their work. By submitting, entrants grant the Boyd Institute a non‑exclusive, perpetual license to publish winning and runner‑up essays, to use them in promotional materials, and to include them in a potential anthology. For full details, please see the Terms and Conditions.
How to Submit
Prepare your essay following the guidelines above.
Complete the online submission form (link below)
Provide your contact details.
Upload your PDF and, if applicable, AI assistance disclosure.
Confirm that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
Ready to share your vision for housing reform? Click the link below to submit your essay.
If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to reading your ideas!